EXCLUSIVE: Kazakhstan streamer Unico Play is launching sales of local box office hits Restart and Falling In Love alongside upcoming feature The Bad Year at Filmart.
Disaster film Restart and romantic comedy drama Falling in Love have each grossed more than KZT1bn ($2m), an important benchmark in the local industry. Both were directed by Duman Erkmbek.
Aset Zhumaqan’s coming-of-age family comedy drama The Bad Year is set for a theatrical release on April 23. It is Unico Play’s second feature film production.
The Central Asian country’s box office has reportedly grown by 146% over six years from $44.1m (KZT 21.2bn) in 2019 to $108.6m (KZT 52.2bn) in 2025, with national titles now accounting for around 45% of revenues. The number of domestic films has nearly doubled in the same period from 43 to 79.
Founded last year and based in Almaty, Unico Play is Kazakhstan’s first national streaming platform producing and distributing original content. It operates within Uni-Q Group and combines scripted series, films and documentaries with curated international titles. It is looking to expand partnerships with international buyers and co-production partners, highlighting stories that reflect both the scale and the social realities of Central Asia.
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