Zak
- Actor
Press clippings
Furious Kazakhs blast Borat film
Angry Kazakhs have blasted the new Borat movie despite tourism chiefs there adopting his "very nice" catchphrase.
Nick Parker, The Sun, 29th October 2020Kazakhstan adopts Borat phrase for tourism campaign
Kazakhstan's tourism board has adopted the Borat catchphrase "very nice" in its new advertising campaign.
BBC, 27th October 2020'Cancel Borat': Some in Kazakhstan not amused by film
While the movie is a satire on American ignorance and prejudice, rather than an attempt to mock Kazakhs, not everyone in Kazakhstan has appreciated the joke. Prior to the movie's release, more than 100,000 people signed an online petition to cancel the film. Small groups of protesters also gathered in front of the US consulate in the Kazakh city of Almaty on the day of the premiere. The social media reaction was particularly heated. The hashtag #cancelborat appeared on Twitter and Instagram, with thousands of Kazakhs outraged by the alleged racism of the movie and accusing Baron Cohen of insulting the nation.
Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, Al Jazeera, 25th October 2020The Zak Splijt three minute interview
Stand-up comedy editor Martin Walker stumbled across Zak Splijit's act on YouTube when he was supposed to be working. Sadly, the unique up-and-coming comedian won't be performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year, but according to Martin, he is definitely one to watch.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014Borat anthem stuns Kazakh gold medallist in Kuwait
Kazakhstan's shooting team has been left stunned after a comedy national anthem from the film Borat was played at a medal ceremony at championships in Kuwait instead of the real one.
BBC News, 23rd March 2012Kazakhstan director shoots Borat sequel
A film director in Kazakhstan has shot a sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen's famous comedy Borat in a bid to improve the country's image.
BBC News, 23rd November 2010