Kenzhebek Shaikakov is a Kazakh writer, director and actor. He was born in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, in 1977. He studied at the Kazakh National Academy of Arts, specialising in film and theatre acting and in 1998 completed a script writing workshop lead by A. Tarazi. He then worked as a television journalist for a number of Kazakh networks in Kazakhstan and NT. From 2009-2012 he worked as film director on Almaty television channel. As an actor, he starred in the lead role of the feature film Shozhe by Daniyar Salamat. Tent is his debut feature film as writer and director.

As film director he is known for his work on "Kurko" (2015) and "Zhyoshya" (2006). His recent film "Scream" (2023) has garnered significant acclaim, winning multiple awards at the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas. "Scream" explores the impact of nuclear testing on a small village, highlighting the struggles and resilience of its inhabitants through a touching father-son narrative. Shaikakov's films are recognized for their emotional depth and social commentary, often focusing on untold stories from Kazakhstan.