Success stories of our graduates 6
From "Manas" to the World Arena: The Story of Meerim Dogdurbekova
Today's modern journalism requires not only transmitting information but also masterfully blending this information with a visual language. Our protagonist today is Meerim Dogdurbek kyzy, a journalist at the world-class media corporation, the BBC Kyrgyz Service.
Meerim graduated from the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema at the Faculty of Communication, Kyrgyz-Turkish "Manas" University in 2016. Her professional journey serves as a golden bridge built between the world of cinema and journalism. How a young director, who was making films and touring European film festivals while still a student, joined the ranks of a global media giant is a matter of curiosity for many.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at our protagonist’s destiny shifting from medicine to art, the impact of her cinema education on journalism, and how she successfully balances motherhood with a demanding career.
"My Dream of a White Coat Changed in the 9th Grade"
Meerim's journey to "Manas" University began with the shifting of her initial dream in the field of medicine. Although she wanted to become a doctor when she was in the 9th grade, the long duration of the education and its high cost pushed her to seek a different direction. During that period, she heard about the modern conditions, dormitory, and scholarship opportunities of Manas University from an older peer with whom she attended school Olympiads, and her interest in Manas was awakened.
As the eldest daughter of the family, Meerim aimed to study on a scholarship so as not to put her parents in a difficult financial position. Through her own efforts, she passed the exams and was admitted to the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema at the Faculty of Communication. She recalls those days as follows: "Unlike other places, Manas has its own unique aura that goes beyond its educational infrastructure. The guidance of the professors and the school's atmosphere of freedom are wonderful. The values of both the educators and the students are very different here."
After starting her education, Meerim’s talent for cinema emerged, and she began producing films during her student years. Since great importance was attached to practical work in her department, she shot films within the scope of her courses as early as her 1st and 2nd years, participating in international and local competitions. Winning awards with her first works led her to prove herself as a promising director. As time passed, her passion for her profession grew, and she achieved major success with her graduation project.
The short film "Bakyt" (Happiness), which she shot as her thesis work, provided her with the opportunity to participate in many international festivals. Thanks to this success, Meerim increased her professional experience and expanded her worldview by traveling to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Russia, as well as European states like France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
From the Film Set to the Doorstep of Journalism
Meerim's professional journey began while she was still a 4th-year student. Finishing her classes early, she utilized her free time by working in various media companies. On the verge of graduation, she took her first serious step by accepting an offer from "Kyrgyzfilm" to work as an assistant director and makeup artist. She had the opportunity to work with masters such as the late Baiysh Ismanov and gained tremendous experience by being part of the crew for Temir Birnazarov’s film "Night Accident" (Tunku Kyrsyk). These projects marked her first major steps in the cinema industry.
However, budget constraints in the cinema sector and the lack of continuity in projects prompted her to turn to journalism. She solidified her professional foundation by working first at the "TV1" channel and then at the "Sputnik" news agency. Her joining the BBC was no coincidence; Meerim had already proven her desire to work there by shooting volunteer videos and preparing texts for the institution beforehand. As a result, after successfully passing rigorous testing phases, English interviews, and a probationary period, she became part of this global media giant.
Journalism Shaped by the Hands of a Director
According to Meerim, the education she received in the Radio, Television, and Cinema department provided her biggest advantage in journalistic activities, especially in video content production.
As she noted in the interview, the skills she acquired at school such as scriptwriting, choosing the right perspective, and shot composition, allow her to take a piece of material from scratch and prepare it entirely on her own. This technical proficiency and versatility enable her to operate independently of camera operators or editors while working at a global media organization like the BBC.
Engaging in numerous practical applications and film production processes since her student years elevated the visual quality of her video content to the highest level. Deeply understanding the language of framing, the flow of scenes, and their impact on the audience, Meerim can present even the simplest information in a visually rich and professional dimension. This solid foundation in cinema provides her with the greatest support to stand out in today's multimedia-focused journalism world, reflecting events deeply and in a documentary style.
"The Reputation That BBC Gives is Grand, but So is the Responsibility"
Meerim serves as a "digital journalist" within the BBC Kyrgyz Service. This title implies a universal, independent expert who can find the story, shoot it, edit it, and write the text on their own. Meerim expresses this situation with the words: "I am not dependent on anyone. I manage the whole process by myself, and such specialists are highly sought after nowadays."
From her perspective, the fundamental rule of journalism is impartiality and the accuracy of facts. Since the BBC is an international media organization, all matters are handled strictly in accordance with internal corporate standards. The working order at the BBC requires high responsibility and attentiveness. Dogdurbek kyzy emphasizes that reporters must remain cautious not only during working hours but also when sharing personal opinions on social media platforms. This is because any word spoken risks being perceived as the stance of the entire institution. According to Meerim, the primary duty of journalism is to deliver information without distortion and to always grant a voice to the opposing side.
"The Support of Loved Ones Plays a Decisive Role"
For Meerim, managing career and family together does not mean simply doing two jobs at the same time; it is a complex journey that requires great willpower, patience, and the strong support of loved ones. Getting married consciously at the age of 27, Meerim took her maternity leave by her own choice. However, she openly admits that returning to work after having two children and a two-and-a-half-year break was not easy at all. "After maternity leave, it was very difficult to get back into shape and adapt to the fast pace of work. When you have two small children, you sometimes feel as if you are falling behind yourself and the world," says Meerim.
At this moment of crisis, the support of her husband became a true lifesaver. Her husband's words, "I will take care of the children, you develop yourself and work," became the biggest source of motivation and reassurance for Meerim.
Meerim looks critically at the "ideal woman" or "ideal mother" stereotypes in society. According to her, there is no perfect person who catches up with everything flawlessly at the same time.
"You can achieve success in business life, but on that day, dinner might not be cooked, laundry might not be washed, or the house might not be cleaned. This is very natural, we are human beings. There is no point in wearing yourself out trying to do everything perfectly," she says.
The most fundamental element in this process is mutual respect within the family and honoring every individual's right to choose. The decision of women who completely dedicate themselves to their children and the choice of those who prioritize their careers deserve equal respect. Establishing a balance between work and home is possible, but for this, the support of mothers, fathers, and spouses is essential. The fact that her husband encouraged her by saying, "You will always have time to sit at home, you are still young," forms the core secret behind Meerim's ability to work successfully at the BBC today while remaining a tender mother and a loving wife.
"Knock on the Doors of Big Media Organizations"
Meerim Dogdurbekova sees the education system of Manas University not just as an academic foundation, but as a real stepping stone to leap to the highest level of professionalism. She believes that a successful career should begin while still on the student benches, and therefore, as a fundamental condition for success, she emphasizes the need to boldly knock on the doors of leading media institutions and prove oneself without waiting to graduate. Taking the initiative by saying, "I can do this, I can handle this job," allows one to quickly master practical skills and enter the industry early.
Furthermore, in today's globalizing world, learning English is not a preference but a strict necessity. Meerim states that if she were to encounter her student-years self, she would advise her, above all, to use time correctly and learn English deeply. This is because this language acts as the key to entering the global information arena and taking part in large-scale projects.
Digital Journalists: Today's Trend
According to the requirements of modern journalism, today's professional needs to focus on becoming a versatile "multimedia reporter" or "digital journalist." Meerim emphasizes that it is precisely this versatility that increases demand in the market. Another crucial point for young people starting out in the profession is not to fear making mistakes or receiving editorial criticism. Correcting errors and working on them is the only way to achieve true professional growth.
According to Meerim, a journalist must always stay informed about developments in the country and the world, and shape their own stance. Meerim’s advice proves that only an expert who spends time learning new things, is open to changes, and approaches their work responsibly can find a place for themselves in the media of the future.
Toward New Summits
For Meerim Dogdurbekova, her achievements at the BBC are not a final destination but, on the contrary, a confident step toward new summits. Her future plans extend beyond professional boundaries to encompass large-scale creative projects. Although she works in the field of journalism today, she aims to use the cinema education she received at the university to produce high-quality documentaries and feature films in the future.
However, Meerim’s ideals are not limited to career growth alone. Instead of dedicating her life solely to work, she desires to explore the world. Traveling to different countries with her husband and two children, discovering new cultures, and accumulating life experiences are among her core plans.
In Meerim’s vision of the future, family values hold a completely distinct significance. Growing up as one of two siblings and envying big families since childhood (wishing, "If only I had an older brother or sister"), Meerim wants her own children not to feel this absence. That is why she aims to become a mother of many children in the future.
The path Meerim walks, rooted in the foundation provided by Manas University, forms an exemplary story of a modern Kyrgyz woman who successfully blends maternal tenderness with professional responsibility. Her firm belief, "Inshallah, when the time comes, we will produce new works," stands as a clear sign that many more great achievements await her ahead.
Reporters: Asylai Toroeva and Altynai Dosubekova
