Dana Zulpykhar has a passionate belief that music is the purest conduit of emotion. Anyone who has witnessed her exciting and inspiring performances can easily see the sincerity of this concept and many filmmakers have enlisted her to contribute the same earnest quality to their films. From the tragedy of Qara Studio’s Zere to the compelling triumph of Director Akan Satayev’s Bokser to the overwhelming fear of Claustro, the musical personality of each film is imbued with a transfixing quality that inspires curiosity, thanks to Zulpykhar’s masterful composing skills. She typically serves as both composer and performer of the pieces she creates for these films, establishing a unique and specialized musical voice which benefits each production. As with so many of the greats, you immediately recognize a Dana Zulpykhar score when you hear it, regardless of the genre. Her sounds and emotional accent seem to perfectly complement the story while still retaining a style that is uniquely hers and incredibly fascinating. 

  Zere received accolades across the planet from numerous film festivals, including Best Original Score awards from such events as Kinoschock 2022 and the Minsk International Film Festival “Listapad.” A feature length film which explores societal norms in the Kazakh culture, Zere depicts the domino effect of a tragedy that sends ripples through one family. Director Dauren Kamshibayev was adamant that no composer but Ms. Zulpykhar could possibly contribute what was necessary for this story. He professes, “Seven years ago, I already knew who would be the composer for my debut film and I wanted to work only with her. When I first heard Dana’s compositions, I realized that this was exactly how I wanted to hear the world through music. The way she hears it is truly amazing. Music played a huge role in the film. Dana is a genius without whom the film would not have turned out the way it did.” The music of this film takes a minimalist approach, relying mainly on violin and piano. Even so, the spectrum of emotions is vast. When local fisherman Kadyr drowns at sea and his brother Bopan first sees his body, a heart wrenching violin theme that resembles the sound of kobyz (a folk instrument from Kazakhstan) depicts the intense anguish of losing a loved one. Later in the film when Kadyr’s daughter is being married off to an older man in order to pay for the family’s debts, the rage and despair she feels is manifested in a violin solo backed by a string orchestra. It’s notable that Zere is a film filled with many moments of silence which allow the emotions to breathe profoundly; the score serves to “speak” for many, most importantly for the daughter Zere who does not utter a single work throughout the entire hour and fifty-three-minute length of this story. Dana’s score speaks for Zere and many others in a manner that transcends verbal communication.

  Claustro, from director Olzhas Bayalbayev, demanded the same emotional intensity as Zere but utilizes the music as a provocative tool for the panic and desperation of the main characters. Awarded “Best Feature Film” at the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival, this is the tale of Kema and Max, two strangers who find themselves trapped in a dwelling which slowly reveals itself to be the prison of many. In order to most effectively deliver the copious moments of fright throughout the film, Dana took a highly involved approach. She describes, “I thoroughly analyzed the story and characters, reading the book that the movie is based on. I compiled a document with all the questions about the plot and the characters to understand each one and  grasp any hidden meanings that, as a first-time viewer, I might miss. This process greatly helps me understand which direction to take and helps avoid questions from viewers. My musical choices were influenced by this preliminary investigation, which enabled me to adapt difficult subjects into melodies and motifs.”

  To truly understand how Dana’s compositions elevate the emotional connection one feels to the visuals, view the Samsung Q-LED commercial which won the award for “Best Use of Music” at the PHNX AdForum. Her modern use of Kazakh folk instruments is directly on target for this beautiful story of two lovers who can’t be together but strive to reach each other despite all obstacles. 

  Even a brief tale such as this exemplifies how Ms. Zulpykhar’s compositions allow audiences to connect deeply with the struggles and triumphs of the main characters. This is further proof, in a musical context, of what the iconic Konstantin Stanislavski said, “There are no small parts, only small actors.” A commercial advertisement can display greatness within only a scant minute-and-a-half. 

  Whether it’s the song “The Edge of the World” for the video game AFK Journey or her score for the soon to be released Kazakhfilm Captain Baitasov, Dana Zulpykhar is one of the most sought after composers. Her intensity is obvious to filmmakers who aspire to gravitas of the highest level. Authenticity is paramount to her and those seeking to have her contribute to their artistic vision. Dana remarks, “I never really doubted that music was my calling. Somehow, everything I pursued in music, every instrument, every genre I was exploring ended up being successful, as if I have been doing it my whole life. I feel most authentic and natural in music, so I really can’t even imagine my life without it, as it has become such an integral part of who I am. The deep sense of fulfillment, purpose, and belonging that I have when I compose and perform is what really inspires me and is a reason why I would never doubt my path. It is difficult to explain and put into words. I simply know that I am exactly where I am meant to be.”