Kazakhstan's Botai: The Lost World Begins Filming on Ancient Horse Culture

Filming has started in Petropavl for Botai: The Lost World, the first full-length feature film about the ancient Botai culture. The project is already being celebrated as one of the most important cultural events in the region in recent years. The Botai culture thrived over 5,000 years ago in what is now northern Kazakhstan. Archaeologist Viktor Zaibert first discovered its remains in 1980 in the Aiyrtau District. This culture is believed to be among the earliest in the world to domesticate horses, a development that transformed transport, farming, and civilisation across Eurasia.

The film will explore this ancient history and its impact on the Great Steppe. Shooting will take place in Petropavl and the surrounding area. Its creators hope to share the story of the Botai with a wide audience, highlighting one of Kazakhstan’s most significant archaeological finds. The movie aims to bring attention to the rich cultural heritage of northern Kazakhstan. By focusing on the Botai people, it seeks to deepen public understanding of a civilisation that shaped early human progress. The production marks a major step in showcasing the region’s historical importance.