Kazakh model casting

“Do you want to give an interview to the Kokchetav newspaper?” asks the landlord of our apartment. As we want to take it easy on our last day in the city and don’t want to waste it driving to a newspaper, we thankfully decline. “It won’t take long. The journalist will visit you in your apartment and bring a translator,” he says with an expectant look. “All right,” we concede. Just an hour later, the journalist Alia, a translator and a photographer enter our accommodation. Alia is a very pleasant, courteous woman who diligently writes down what we tell her about our life project. When she learns that Tanja has also been working as a model since she was sixteen, she is thrilled and excited. “My newspaper is organizing a model casting this afternoon. It’s about the top model of the city of Kokchetav. You would make us very happy if we could get you on the jury. You don’t have to stay long. We will take you home immediately. Whenever you want. Don’t say no,” asks Alia. “Okay, I’m coming,” Tanja replies.

In the late afternoon we are picked up by Alia, the translator and a driver and taken to the event. Many young girls, who have worked hard to look good, stand in front of a large building. When we arrive, the candidates form an alley, looking curious and interested. We immediately stand out because of our outfits embroidered with sponsor patches. People whisper and whisper under their breath. Everyone present seems to be wondering what we’re doing here. On the second floor we reach a hall at the end of which the jury members are located on a platform. They are talking to a girl who is standing in front of them dressed only in a bikini. “Ah, there they are!” shouts the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, pointing at us. “Come on, come on,” he invites us to take a seat next to him and three very good-looking young women. “These are last year’s winners. Today they are helping me to find the most beautiful women in the city,” he introduces the three women with a laugh.

As more candidates come in, Tanja is asked for her opinion. It is a strange feeling for us to observe the young people who stand before us with high hopes and see the chance to escape their everyday lives here. “What does the winner get?” I ask the editor-in-chief in a whisper. “A washing machine or a dishwasher,” he replies with a smile. “And that’s it?” “Yes. It’s worth a lot with us,” he explains. Then a young man steps in front of the platform. “And why are you here?” the organizer asks him. “I want to be a model,” says the somewhat inconspicuous-looking boy. “What is your talent?” “Singing.” “Well then, sing something for us.” “No, I don’t like it.” “Hm, then walk like a model and present yourself,” the man next to me asks him, whereupon the young man walks back and forth, unsure and awkward. “Where are you from?” “From the Caucasus,” he answers the editor’s question. “Do your parents know you’re here?” “Yes.” “Have you discussed your desire to become a model with all your family members?” “Yes,” we hear his hesitant answer, which suggests that he is not sincere. As many families from the Caucasus region are often strict Muslims and this profession is not exactly highly regarded there, the editor informs the candidate about the disadvantages that the job of a model may entail. Then he can go.

Another young man introduces himself. He willingly takes off his shirt and shows us his thin, untrained body. He also has a talent for singing, to which he shyly warbles a little song. “What do you think of him?” Tanja is asked and I’m glad I don’t have to answer.

Now a shy girl bows to us. She speaks very quietly, which is why the jury has difficulty understanding her. Her hobby is shadow boxing. She goes to great lengths to convince her assessors. Again, I’m glad I don’t have to pass judgment. Another applicant shows us how she can do a bridge, a handsome young man puts on a short Kazakh dance routine. When a girl shows us how a model on the catwalk is supposed to present a designer’s fine pieces, giving the impression that it’s all about finding the person who moves best in slow motion, Tanja is asked to show her how. Tanja gets up from her chair, takes off her cycling shoes, takes the girl by the hand and runs across the platform with verve, vigor and elegance. “Yes, that’s exactly how we want to see it! Fantastic!” the editor-in-chief exclaims happily and his jury members clap. The casting continues until the evening. As we still have a few things to prepare for our early departure tomorrow, we say goodbye.

In the evening we buy a bottle of wine and a bar of chocolate to give to Gauhar and Marat as a thank you. When we ring the doorbell, it’s already 10 pm. “Ah, it’s nice to see you again. Come in,” says Marat happily. He immediately opens the bottle of wine. Because of our planned departure tomorrow, we decline at first but can’t refuse this nice man the opportunity to talk to us for a while. “Why don’t you stay another day. We could show you Borovoye. You simply can’t miss it. You haven’t really seen Kazakhstan if you cycle past it. I know it’s too mountainous for your heavy bikes, but we could take you there by car tomorrow. We’d be back here in the evening and you could just set off a day later. What do you think of the idea?” he asks enthusiastically. His offer sounds very good, which is why we are not averse to it. “Okay, we’ll go with you, but only if we can pay the fuel costs,” we say. Gauhar and Marat think for a moment. “Normally we wouldn’t take any money from you, but under these conditions it’s okay,” he says with a laugh.

We look forward to your comments!