Meet Assel Omirserik | Film Director, Head of Film Directing Department

We had the good fortune of connecting with Assel Omirserik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Assel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Recently, I was appointed as the Head of the Filmmaking Department at the Kazakh National University of Arts, marking a significant turning point in my life. At just 25 years old, I became the youngest head of this department in the university’s history. I now manage a team of about 30 instructors, which requires a considerable amount of time, energy, and mental focus.

My responsibilities are diverse; I oversee the educational processes within the faculty, handle administrative tasks, welcome various guests, and work closely with our filmmaking students, among many other duties. To maintain balance, I prioritize spending my weekends with family, aim to go to bed early, and have consciously reduced my screen time. I also strive to keep work separate from meal times, allowing myself moments to recharge.

To stay organized and manage my workflow more effectively, I’ve started using Notion. So far, it has proven to be a valuable tool in navigating my new role.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I mentioned before, I am the new head of the Filmmaking Department at the Kazakh National University of Arts. As the youngest faculty member in this role, I sometimes face challenges, particularly when older colleagues don’t take me seriously due to my age. Ageism can be prevalent in certain sectors here in Kazakhstan. Nevertheless, I strive to navigate these situations with calm and wisdom. While I was raised to respect my elders—and I always do—there are times when I must stand my ground and express my thoughts openly. Fortunately, I’ve encountered wise mentors among the elders who value my perspective. They often say, “We truly need young voices like yours to challenge the status quo and improve the filmmaking education system.” Many at the university have welcomed me warmly, so I prefer not to focus solely on the ageism aspect.

I also thoroughly enjoy teaching my students in the Producing Department and hope to continue fostering that positive experience throughout my time here.

My goal is to modernize outdated practices and enhance the filmmaking education system in Kazakhstan. After completing my master’s degree in Los Angeles and interning in media in Cyprus, I am eager to apply the knowledge I’ve gained abroad in my home country. I hope to connect with others who share my vision and can support me in this global mission.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I left LA a couple of months ago, and I’d love to share some of my favorite hangout spots from my time there.

First and foremost, I’m drawn to the ocean, so the beaches are definitely my go-to places. If I were to take friends out, Newport Beach would be at the top of my list. There’s nothing quite like watching dolphins and even the occasional whale!

Next, I’d take them to the museums. My favorite is the Academy Museum, where I enjoy exploring props from some of the most iconic films in history. I truly believe this museum is one of the key pillars that makes Hollywood, well, Hollywood.

Another must-visit is the Aero Cinema in Santa Monica. I once went there with friends to watch the original film print of Punch-Drunk Love, straight from director Paul Thomas Anderson’s personal collection. It was an unforgettable experience.

When it comes to food, my preferences lean towards Central Asian cuisine, and I love high-quality, halal meat. One of my favorite spots is cafe Istanbul in Beverly Hills, where you can find delicious Turkish dishes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m truly happy with where I am in my career, and I attribute much of my success to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and all my teachers—especially my instructors at the New York Film Academy. Each person I’ve encountered on this journey has imparted valuable lessons about filmmaking, life, and self-discovery.

I want to extend a special thank you to my parents, beloved siblings, and my industry friends in Los Angeles, who have enriched my life and work in Hollywood. A special shoutout goes to Kushagra Jain, Malika Maxat, Gulim Sadygozha, Tanay Shah, Om Pathak, Mish Cherkassov, and Timofei Romanov. Collaborating with these talented individuals and sharing both work and downtime with them is always a pleasure.

All of my teachers deserve recognition, but let me at least mention a few here: David Newman, Igor Torgeson, Lee Gordon, Gilbert McDonald, Eva Gardos, Koji Sakai, Robert Taylor, and everyone else who has contributed to my journey.

Instagram: @bndsselyan

Image Credits
Kushagra Jain