The film tells the story of the TASBAQA Nature Conservation Foundation and its work to conserve the Central Asian tortoise in Kazakhstan.
On September 24, 2026, SMART SPACE (280 Baizakov St.) will host the premiere of the Kazakhstani documentary “Save the Tortoise”, dedicated to the work of the TASBAQA Foundation to protect and restore the population of the Central Asian tortoise in Kazakhstan.
The Central Asian tortoise is a species that has survived thousands of years of climatic and environmental changes, but today it is threatened by habitat destruction and human activities. The film shows how the TASBAQA Foundation team is working to change this situation.
Film director – Tamir Sembekov, producer – Alfiya Kapanova.
The film was produced by AlemFlora with the support of BiorAlem and AlemVet.
The Institute of Zoology of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan served as scientific consultant to the film and the Foundation.
Author of the film concept: Adam Adambekovich Kapanov – writer, journalist, director, philanthropist, Candidate of Biological Sciences, and member of the Kazakhstan National Committee for UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
“We wanted to show not an abstract environmental problem, but a specific story – the story of a particular species that could disappear before our very eyes. If, after watching the film, viewers want to learn more or help, that will be the most important result for us,” says Yulia Zaugg, founder of the TASBAQA Foundation.
About the TASBAQA Foundation
TASBAQA is the only foundation in Kazakhstan specifically dedicated to the conservation of the Central Asian tortoise through research, habitat protection, and public education. It was founded in 2023 by Yulia Zaugg.
About the partners
AlemVet is a leader in the wholesale distribution of veterinary medicines in Kazakhstan, with 25 years of experience in the market. The company is an official distributor of MSD Animal Health, Beaphar, and several other global manufacturers and specializes in commercial livestock farming.
BiorAlem is a subsidiary of AlemVet focused on companion animal health, accounting for approximately 70% of wholesale sales of veterinary vaccines and medicines.
Both companies work every day to support animal health in Kazakhstan, from companion animals to commercial livestock farming. Their support for the screening of “Save the Tortoise” is a continuation of the companies’ social initiatives in Kazakhstan.
Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the country’s leading scientific institution in the field of zoological research and has studied the Central Asian tortoise for decades. Specialists from the Institute served as scientific consultants to the film and the TASBAQA Foundation.
ZooMost is a media project about animals and the people who care for them.
Information for the media
Date: September 24, 2026
Venue: SMART SPACE, 280 Baizakov St., 16:00
Media accreditation: please use the contact details below to apply by September 21. Available upon request: trailer, film stills, and interviews with the director, producer, and representatives of the Foundation.
Media contacts
Alfiya Kapanova, producer · +7 775 517 81 54 · alfiyakapanova@gmail.com · @zoo.most