Assel is a Kazakhstani director, screenwriter and producer. She had a career in banking before turning to filmmaking. Assel graduated from Stalker Film School in Almaty. She has directed, wrote and produced three short films that participated in PÖFF Shorts, Africa International Film Festival, Cannes Short Film Corner and other festivals. Her first feature film WELCOME TO THE USA had its world premiere at AFI Fest 2019 (New Auteurs). This is the first feature film in Kazakhstan with a lesbian protagonist and it continues to be screened at many international LGBTQ film festivals (Outfest Fusion, Wicked Queer, Inside Out Toronto, NewFest New York’s LGBTQ Film Festival, etc.). Assel participated in BOAT Meeting 2020, Script POOL Tallinn 2018 and Eurasia spotlight 2017 (special mention of the jury). She is currently working on her second feature film project.