Time Out's official Kazakhstani response to 'Borat'

'It certainly doesn't offend us' says Time Out Almaty editor Madi Mambetov.

Nov  3 2006

The release of the 'Borat' film seems to have caused something of a stir in Kazakhstan, so much so that Kasymzhomart Tokayev, the country's foreign minister, has denounced the film and discouraged his people from seeing it.

The TOMB therefore thought it was about time we lent some perspective to the debate by calling upon Madi Mambetov, editor of Time Out Almaty, to tell us what Kazakhstanis really think of the character. This is what he had to say:

'We haven't seen the movie yet in Kazakhstan, and I'm afraid it would only be available to us on DVD. Even then it would only be a pirate copy from Russia because our film distributors are showing their patriotism by refusing to buy the movie.

'But I don't feel like anyone cares. The people here don't pay much attention to Sacha Baron Cohen. I can only say we find him funny, but funnier still are the western people who may believe and take seriously all the ridiculous things he says about our country. And we can see that Borat's satire is not only against Kazakhstan, but also against the USA. It certainly doesn't offend us.

'In fact, most people I know thought it was very funny when our government decided to protest against him on the MTV Europe Music Awards two years ago. It seemed so pointless and silly – what more can I say!'

To see what all the fuss is about, 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan' is released tomorrow.

• 
•