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Dozens of parents in Almaty are raising alarms after paying substantial fees to a local film studio، only to find that promised acting opportunities for their children have not materialized. The studio's office has reportedly ceased operations، leaving families concerned and out of pocket.

A Scheme Promising Stardom

Parents claim the studio enticed them with promises of movie roles، red carpet appearances، and meetings with celebrities for their children. The cost for these supposed opportunities was reportedly as high as 1.5 million tenge. However، after payments were made، the studio's office was found to be closed، with no further communication or filming taking place.

A Mother's Story of Broken Dreams

Yulia Mazepina، mother of a 14-year-old aspiring actress، shared that she took out a loan to cover her daughter's participation fee، driven by her child's dream. While the contract specified a short film production، filming dates were repeatedly postponed before ultimately being canceled altogether، with no work ever commencing.

Thousands Affected، Millions Lost

According to the affected parents، the film studio began operations last summer and conducted casting calls across Kazakhstan. A group has since been formed، comprising over 4،000 participants. They estimate the total financial damage to be upwards of 6 billion tenge. Many express distress that similar advertisements continue to appear online، recruiting new groups under different names.

Celebrity Denials and Founder's Response

Renowned actor Zhan Baizhanbayev، whose name was associated with the studio، clarified that while the company bears his name، he is not its founder or owner، but merely a hired actor. He stated that filming was discussed for April but denied any ownership stake.

Erzhan Yedgebayev، identified as the founder of the film studio، acknowledged financial difficulties but insisted efforts were being made to complete all productions. He assured that if filming could not be completed، participants would receive refunds.

Criminal Investigation Launched

Despite these assurances، parents opted to file official complaints with the police. Consequently، a criminal case has been initiated under the article concerning fraud. Saltanat Azirbek، an official representative of the Almaty City Police Department، confirmed that investigative actions are underway. Preliminary reports suggest approximately 100 more individuals intend to file complaints at the Bostandyk District Police Department.

If the company is found guilty، its leadership could face up to seven years in prison.