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It's never too late to chase your dreams, as Jamilya Andreeva's story powerfully illustrates. This Kazakhstani woman, originally from Kaskelen, embarked on a new career in international cinema after turning 40, and now resides in Prague, actively participating in global projects.

Her journey is a testament to the power of chance, perseverance, and the courage to start anew.

A Wish Fulfilled, Unexpectedly

At 46 years old, Jamilya Andreeva has been living in Prague for the past 15 years, a city that became the backdrop for her new life. While she never dreamed of moving to Prague, a casual visit led her to toss a coin into the Vltava River at the Charles Bridge, wishing to stay.

Her wish came true sooner and in a way she never anticipated. A few days later, Jamilya was involved in an accident that resulted in a severe spinal injury. This unforeseen event kept her in the Czech Republic for several months, ultimately leading to her family's relocation in 2009.

"I came to Prague as a tourist, visiting a friend. Walking across the Charles Bridge, I impulsively made a wish: 'I want to stay here.' And I stayed... but not in the way I imagined," she shared.

From Fashion Design to the Silver Screen

Before her cinematic pursuits, Jamilya's professional path was in fashion design, having graduated from the Almaty Technological University. Her childhood aspirations were far from the spotlight.

"As a child, I wanted to get married. Did I think about being in front of the camera? No. Back then, it was believed you had to be a 'canonical beauty' to be an actress. I call myself a 'cute and charismatic wild apricot chick.' But at one point, I realized I wanted to live not just one, but hundreds of lives. And the only place that allows you to do that is in cinema," she explained with a smile.

First Steps into Acting

Jamilya's entry into the film world, like many things in her life, was serendipitous. She accompanied a friend to an advertising casting call, only to be selected herself.

"When I found out how much I was paid, I realized this was not only interesting but also very profitable. It was an advertisement for bank cards in China, and only my hand appeared in the frame. For that, I received double my monthly salary at the time," she recalled.

This initial success marked the beginning of a conscious effort: acting courses, signing with agencies, and continuous self-improvement.

"I attended acting classes three times a week, just like going to the gym. It's crucial. Acting is like a gym; if you don't train, you lose your form. You can't stop here and say, 'I did it once, and that's enough,'" Jamilya emphasized.

Balancing Motherhood and a Film Career

Jamilya is a mother of three, and balancing her roles as a parent and an actress presented challenges. However, she found a unique solution.

"It was difficult at first; I couldn't manage everything. But I found a way: I started involving my children in my filming projects. Now, we often work together, and it has become a family business," she noted.

Notable Projects and Experiences

Over her career, Jamilya has amassed over 150 projects, ranging from background roles to leading parts. Among them is the fantasy series "The Wheel of Time" (Prime Video), based on Robert Jordan's novels, where she played an episodic role as one of the Aes Sedai of the White Tower.

"Although it was an episode, it was a huge international platform and valuable experience. You get to see how an industry of this caliber operates from the inside," she stated.

Another significant project is the mini-series "Tykva," a festival film slated for the Venice Biennale this year, directed by the renowned European artist and filmmaker Jakub Janšta. Jamilya stars in this production.

She has also appeared in commercials for major brands like VISA, American Express, NOTINO, Kaufland, and Interfel, as well as in a music video for Stromae.

A particularly unique experience was participating in the travel reality show "Asia Express." This challenging adventure, undertaken with her eldest son, involved navigating without money, phones, or amenities.

"This show was a true test. My partner was my son, and I am incredibly proud of him. For me, it was more than just a show; it was a test of endurance, closeness, and faith in life. Nothing is impossible. Everything is within our reach. You just have to be brave and do it," she reflected.

Working with Stars and Future Aspirations

On set, Jamilya has had the opportunity to meet stars like Keanu Reeves, Orlando Bloom, and Ana de Armas.

"It's a wonderful school. You silently learn by observing how people of this caliber work," she commented.

When asked about her acting inspirations, she mentioned Michelle Yeoh and Monica Bellucci, and expressed admiration for Kazakhstani actress Gaziza Tleubai. However, her primary focus is on figures like Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian family.

Producing and Promoting Kazakh Culture

Currently, acting serves as a profitable hobby for Jamilya. Her main focus is on producing and cultural projects. She works with a Czech production company and is developing a joint project with Netflix titled "Czechia – Kazakhstan." The plan is to film in Kazakhstan, featuring both European and Kazakhstani actors.

"We plan to shoot in Kazakhstan this year or next, with European and Kazakhstani actors. My goal is to build a bridge between our cinema and European cinema," she shared.

Jamilya acknowledges that going to castings and auditions is simply part of her life. She describes herself as resilient and proactive.

"It's like any other job. I am in demand because I am a 'tank.' When others doubt, hesitate, or strive for imagined perfection, I just go and do it. My motto is, 'Why not try?' My past experience as a publicist also helps – I have my own promotion strategies that work," Jamilya revealed.

She is a realist, understanding that while her window for becoming the 'greatest actress in history' might be smaller than that of a 20-year-old, she can excel as a super-mom and pave the way for her children. She now effectively acts as their agent.

"Acting for me now is a pleasant hobby with income. My main work is in production and promoting Kazakh culture," she concluded.

Previously, Tengrinews.kz reported on Jamilya's appearance in the music video for Stromae's hit song "Santé" in 2022, where she played the lead role. [Read more about it here](https://tengrinews.kz/curious/kazahstanka-rasskazala-popala-klip-vsemirno-izvestnogo-486941/).

Also read: [How a Kazakhstani woman ended up in a music video by a world-renowned musician](https://tengrinews.kz/curious/kazahstanka-rasskazala-popala-klip-vsemirno-izvestnogo-486941/)

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