On November 20, World Philosophy Day, the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies held a meeting dedicated to the theme “Philosophy of Cinema.” The event, organized by the Center for World and Kazakh Philosophy, became a space for thoughtful dialogue about how cinematography shapes our perception of the world and sets social meanings. The meeting was moderated by the Director of the Center, Serik Nurmuratov, who opened the discussion with brief remarks on how art and philosophy continue to search for a common language.

In her welcoming speech, Aigul Sadvokasova, General Director of IPhPR, emphasized the social nature of cinema: it not only reflects societal issues but also encourages viewers to think, forming a social demand for understanding and change.

The discussion brought together a new generation of researchers who presented their original perspectives on cinema as an intellectual practice.
•  Jamile Satybaldieva, Research Fellow at IPhPR, in her presentation “When Cinema Thinks for Us: Philosophy Within the Frame,” demonstrated how film becomes a field of thought where the visual sequence transforms into an autonomous philosophical text.
•  Nelya Rushanova, PhD, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Journalism at Al-Farabi KazNU, explored the connection between contemporary Kazakh prose and national screenwriting, tracing how literary narratives evolve into cinematic language.
•   Aidana Serikbayeva, Research Fellow at IPhPR and graduate student at Narxoz University, in her talk “The Race for Recognition: Humans, Society and Media in the Age of Speed,” addressed issues of identity in an age of information overload.
•   Alexandra Nurmagambetova, Master’s student at Al-Farabi KazNU, presented “Cinema and the Unconscious: Post-Structuralism,” offering a look at cinematography as a space of hidden meanings and psychological depth.

The meeting also welcomed a special guest — Professor Jonathan McHone of the University of Kansas (USA).

The event concluded with a lively discussion about the role of cinema in modern society, how it shapes cultural experience, and why it is especially important today to be able to “read” the meaning behind moving images. The meeting served as a reminder that philosophy is not only an academic discipline but also a way of seeing the world — and seeing more within it.