Today Kazakh cinema plays a key role in the spiritual development and modernization of the country. Special attention is paid to the history, ethnography, traditions and customs of the Kazakh people. The article analyzes the peculiarities of nation-building in the Republic of Kazakhstan through cinematography. Several cinematic working structural models of Kazakh cinematography are considered and key elements of national identity are emphasized on the example of certain films. The national features of the Kazakh people presented in the national cinematography of the Soviet era and the period of independence have been studied. However, we have to admit that the process of nation-building through the cinema screen is still not carried out at the proper level. In this regard, it is concluded that a comprehensive and profound reform of the national cinematography is necessary. The priority tasks include ensuring the independence of Kazakhstan's film industry by establishing direct accountability to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan or full legal and financial autonomy within the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the creation of a specialized film university to meet the needs of the industry. Only a transparent and well-considered state policy in the film industry can contribute to the development of the industry and the creation of films that are in the national interest.