Asem Zhapisheva

Asem is a journalist, media manager, media trainer, screenwriter, and political activist from Kazakhstan. She is a co-founder of the “Oyan, Qazaqstan” movement advocating for political reforms. In 2019 she launched independent media projects including masa.media and the Kazakh-language outlet Тіл кеспек жоқ. Her work explores law, language, propaganda, identity, and civic engagement. In 2023, her screenplay-based film Happiness won an award at Berlinale. In 2024, she played a key role in public mobilization around domestic violence reform. Zhapisheva promotes political participation, free expression, and Kazakh-language journalism for young and underrepresented audiences.