Written by Alina Rose Armstrong
“Reflecting on my journey, I grapple daily with the pressure to conform to society’s expectations versus embracing my own freedom and desires, a struggle deepened by my transformative experiences in New York.”
– Saltanat Nauruz
Saltanat Nauruz has emerged as a formidable presence in the world of acting. Boldly moving from her childhood in Kazakhstan to attend the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City, her journey reflects her resilience and determination in overcoming the challenges inherent to the acting profession.
Early Life
Saltanat Nauruz was born and raised in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. From a young age, Saltanat stood out from her family’s academic focus on mathematics and sciences. With an older sister excelling as an economist, a younger brother pursuing physics, and a father devoted to a lifetime of mathematical study, she often felt out of place. She found herself drawn to the vibrant cultural influences of the 1990s, spending hours studying the moves of pop icons like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Destiny’s Child, and Jennifer Lopez in front of the TV.
Despite her family’s unfamiliarity with the arts, Saltanat’s passion for dance was fully realized when the Moscow Dance Studio arrived in Kazakhstan, introducing her to local dance luminaries and a new world of creative expression. This early exposure fueled her dedication and shaped her work ethic in the studio’s disciplined environment. Initially adhering to her family’s expectations by pursuing an undergraduate degree in journalism, Saltanat soon realized her true aspirations lay elsewhere.
Acting Career
After earning her undergraduate degree, Saltanat felt an irresistible pull towards acting. Inspired by her dance background, she initially considered pursuing drama in Moscow. However, a close friend’s account of Marilyn Monroe’s transformative experience working with Lee Strasberg shifted her focus. In 2010, Saltanat enrolled in a Two-Year Conservatory at LSTFI New York, immersing herself in intensive training that deepened her understanding of the craft. Lee Strasberg’s approach to memory recall and emotional authenticity — known throughout the world as The Method — profoundly shaped her approach to acting, equipping her with the tools to convey depth and nuance in her performances.
Following her training, Saltanat actively pursued roles in theatre, landing engagements with companies and theatres such as the BAT and The Flea. She thrived in the experimental and multicultural environment of The Flea Theater, where she eagerly embraced new challenges that broadened her artistic horizons.
During this period, Saltanat crossed paths with Assel Aushakimova, a Kazakhstani director, screenwriter, and producer, who became a pivotal figure in her life. Assel cast Saltanat as the lead in her debut feature film, Welcome to the USA, a film about a Kazakh lesbian woman who wins the green card lottery. Saltanat praised Assel’s all-encompassing role in the production — from directing and producing to catering and serving as the second AD — highlighting the synergistic collaboration that led to her compelling performance.
Bikechess
Saltanat and Assel’s partnership continued with Bikechess, Assel’s second feature film. The project initially faced funding delays, plunging Saltanat into what she described as one of the most challenging periods of her life. Despite setbacks, Saltanat persevered through the uncertainties familiar to actors, all while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. When Assel at last secured funding for the film, Saltanat decided Bikechess would be her final endeavor to launch her acting career.
Bikechess is a dark comedy that explores the disillusionment of Dina, a Kazakhstani field reporter trapped in a cycle of government-mandated propaganda. The film critiques superficiality and moral compromises in the media, following Dina’s struggle to reconcile her professional obligations with her personal integrity. It also delves into her clandestine affair with a married cameraman, portrayed through subtle, charged interactions. Despite the absurd and satirical world of the film, Bikechess utilizes naturalism and a stylized sense of detachment to reflect its critique of societal stagnation and the reluctance to challenge norms in contemporary Kazakhstan.
Saltanat’s decision to make Bikechess proved fortuitous. The film went on to win Best International Narrative at the Tribeca Film Festival this year, and Saltanat received rave reviews for her moving and compelling performance.
“Nauruz delivers a sharp and acerbic performance that complements the writer/director’s quick-witted and novel approach.”
– Nora Bernard, Global Media Makers
The festival screening was Saltanat’s first viewing of the film, a deeply moving moment for her. Watching the film was a poignant moment of validation, underscoring her journey from Almaty to the global stage. Amid their festival triumph and acclaim, Saltanat reflected on her performance and the filming experience. She expressed her hope that viewers are inspired to resist societal conformity, a theme resonant not only with those in Kazakhstan but with anyone feeling trapped in their circumstances.
Looking Forward
While she remains passionate about acting, Saltanat aims to transition into producing, seeking greater influence over her roles and a more hand-on approach to her art. Her ultimate ambition is to translate universal conflicts onto the screen, empowering audiences to confront their own everyday dilemmas.
Saltanat Nauruz’s journey not only celebrates her resilience and artistic evolution but also underscores the impact of Lee Strasberg’s teachings on shaping her into a versatile and accomplished actor.