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Tengrinews.kz – In autumn 2023, Astana became the filming location for the Hollywood sci-fi movie Altered, starring British actor Tom Felton, best known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise. One of the cinematographers on the project was Almaty resident Mikhail Siryаnov, who spoke with Tengrinews about the unique experience.
Filming of Alter took place in the Kazakh capital from September to November 2023. During this period, Siryаnov’s wife gave birth to their child.
“It was a very productive year,” he said with a smile.
From childhood passion to Hollywood project
Originally from Zhambyl region, Siryаnov grew up fascinated by movies and editing. What began as a childhood hobby evolved into a career: he studied cinematography at the University of Culture and Arts in Bishkek before returning to Kazakhstan to work in film and television.
Mikhail Siryаnov. Photo from personal archive
Over more than 10 years in the industry, he has moved from technical departments to full-time camera work. His credits include the TV series 'Omir' (Life), nominated for Best Cinematography at the New Jersey Film Festival, and the feature 'Koke'.
How he joined the Alter crew
According to Siryаnov, he was initially recommended for the project by a production equipment company he worked with, but selection came only after submitting his portfolio and showreel.
“Two weeks later they called me back and said: ‘Mikhail, you’re the one we’ve chosen,’” he recalled.
At first, he declined the offer three times, as filming coincided with his wife’s pregnancy.
“On the fourth call, my wife convinced me to say yes. That’s how I joined this amazing project,” he said.
Mikhail Siryаnov. Photo from personal archive
Normally, Hollywood productions bring their own crews, he explained, while locals are hired mainly for logistics.
“But this time I was entrusted with the visuals. That’s a rare chance.”
Scenes were shot at some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (“the Pyramid”), the First President’s Library, and the Nur Alem sphere at Expo. Director Timo Vuorensola was particularly inspired by the capital’s futuristic architecture.
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Working with Tom Felton
Siryаnov described Felton as “a down-to-earth, open and cheerful guy who can laugh with anyone on set”.
He praised the actor’s professionalism and memory for detail:
“Even when we returned to reshoot a scene days later, he would perfectly match his movements, expressions, and positioning. I’ve never seen that level of precision before.”
The operator also shared a lighter story: he introduced the team to Kazakh chocolate by offering some to fellow actor Igor Jijikine. The director enjoyed it so much that producers began stocking it daily on set.
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About the film
Altered portrays a future where society is divided by genetics: “enhanced” individuals dominate while ordinary people are marginalized. Felton plays Leon, an inventor in a wheelchair who creates an exoskeleton and becomes a symbol of resistance.
Directed by Timo Vuorensola (Iron Sky), the $15 million film premiered at Cannes in 2024 and is set for global release on September 18, 2025.
Critics note that the role could mark a new chapter in Felton’s career after Harry Potter, positioning him as a leading man in major projects.
During the 2023 shoot, Felton’s presence in Astana attracted attention from locals, with fans even leaving handwritten invitations for tea outside their homes.
