Jaan Roose first to cross the "fangs" in Kazakhstan

Against the backdrop of Kazakhstan's picturesque landscapes, Estonian Jaan Roose becomes the first person to cross 500 meters on a slackline at a height of 200 meters in windy weather and 50°C, the iconic "fangs", limestone columns that form the Bozzhyra tract, also known as "sugar castles", created millions of years ago by the ancient Tethys Ocean.

Jaan Roose started slacklining 12 years ago and is known for being the first and only athlete to do a double backflip (legs) while winning the 2019 World Slackline Masters in Munich, Germany. The three-time world champion, who has also worked as a stuntman in Hollywood films such as Assassin's Creed and participated in a concert tour with Madonna, is a world record holder in many unusual places. After crossing a 28-meter line between the skyscrapers of Sarajevo last year, Roose next headed to Kazakhstan, where he completed a difficult 500-meter crossing at a height of 200 meters in 50 °C and strong winds.

The 30-year-old revealed, "Bozzhyra is a challenge and one of the most difficult, but also most beautiful projects I have ever tackled. When I saw photos of Bozzhyra, I was impressed, but when I arrived here, I was overwhelmed by the otherworldly beauty of the place. The fact that there was once an ocean here fires the imagination.

Many years ago, the Great Silk Road passed through the desert region of Mangistau, and one of the rocky outcrops resembling a fortress is even depicted on Kazakhstan's 1,000-tenge banknote. Roose added:

"It is just a fantastic place. I am glad that I visited it and saw this unique place with my own eyes and also was able to combine physical skills with the beauty of nature.

One of the main goals of the group was the careful treatment of the unique nature of the area and compliance with all ecological requirements at the real historical site. The camera team spent five days on location in the Mangistau region to shoot their feature and open this unique place.

Talgat Amanbayev, chairman of the board of NC Kazakh Tourism JSC, said:

"Mangistau region is now a priority tourist destination in Kazakhstan and is among the top five destinations of the year in terms of the number of foreign visitors. Mangistau is capable of becoming a true film tourism center, and as such we are always ready to support initiatives that highlight the phenomenal beauty of the region. At the same time, we will ensure that Mangistau is treated with the care and attention it deserves in order to preserve it.