Discoveries from Kyrgyzstan World Cinema

Victor and Nadezhda are husband and wife. She is an ordinary budget employee, he is a wheelchair-bound invalid. They are orphans and vegetate in this life, in which they have long become ordinary extras, hostages of their own illusions, driven into a dead end...

Wanderlust refers to the desire to wander, to explore the world, be free, and feel like a stranger in your surroundings. When the wanderlust takes over you, you know that the adventure has begun, but not where or when it ends. And how do you make a documentary without an end? This is one of the questions that directors Cristiana Pecci and Matteo Maggi ponder on his film The Fifth Sun.

In this sequel to Salam, Bishkek!, three friends continue their lives in the capital as new challenges, relationships, and unexpected situations lead them into another series of comedic adventures in Bishkek.

Traditionally a woman receives a pair of earrings as a gift when a man proposes to her. They might not be previously acquainted and their marriage might be arranged by their parents, but here the girl makes her own choice.

Bakyt and Kanykei are getting a divorce. But to get a divorce, they must go to Issyk-Kul since they are registered there. Their car breaks down in the yard of their house, and the Koichubekov family, who were also going there, comes to their rescue and offers to take them. They are forced to agree because they have lost a lot of time. The only problem is that the Koichubekovs are not an ordinary family! It will be a long road!

The young polygraph maintenance specialist firmly believes that technology will replace humanity. When distrust of the woman he loves creeps into his heart, he decides to test her on a lie detector.

An orphan is torn about discovering the truth about his birth mother. When he reunites with his beloved girl, his life transforms, and he gains hope.

This time, Asanov and Koichubekov are going to Talas for a wedding. To shorten the journey, they chose to go through Kazakhstan. But as soon as they enter Kazakhstan, problems begin. Of course, it's all for Sapar.

Two years ago, Asya from Moscow met Zhanybek, a taxi driver from Kyrgyzstan. They fell in love and began to live together. At the beginning of 2021, Zhanybek flew home for a month, and upon his return, he learned that he was banned from entering Russia for two years due to administrative violations - smoking in the wrong place, improper parking and driving with broken headlights. Asya followed her beloved man to Kyrgyzstan to discover an unknown country, about which we hear so often and do not really know anything. The film began as a video for a new song by the band "Zorkiy", and became a portrait of two people trying to be free in a very unstable world, shot by the band's lead singer Vasily Zorkiy and cameraman Adeline Dzivaeva.

Serikpai and Amir grow up without a father, who once went to work in Russia, but never returned. They are waiting for him and hoping. Waiting for her husband and wife Polina. She remembers the short happiness of her former life. She tries to resist the current life, but it is given to her at too high a price…

A 70-year-young nameless Director still invents various vivid and bizarre characters on an old-fashioned typewriter. This respected veteran knows a thing or two about tenderness and aesthetics. He has heard the word 'stop' far too many times while preparing an arthouse festival gem. The fledgling producer orders his uncle to write something entirely different, involving all keen investors in sold-out, influential roles.

Kairat, who has just begun his journey through life, meets his first true love, Aizhan... but this feeling does not bring him happiness, but rather a longing that tears his soul apart. The film shows how much Kairat is able to endure on his path to love.

After his wife’s death, Bolot raises his daughter Kyial, who once defeated cancer. But the illness returns, and there is almost no time left. When he learns about her secret diary of wishes, Bolot decides to take Kyial out of the hospital and fulfill every one of her dreams. Joining them on this journey is Kyial’s best friend, Joki — a grown man on the autism spectrum, who in his own way helps them endure the pain and rediscover the value of every single day.

Orozbek, a joyful boy who loves to draw, lives with his grandmother in a remote village deep in the snowy mountains. He has to walk a long distance to school, and one day the stream washes over its banks, blocking his way.

The continuation of the family comedy. The Koichubekov family travels to Osh to attend Katya's father's 60th birthday party this time. As is customary, they bring their neighbors Bakyt and Kanykey with them. All the interesting events begin at the 60th birthday party. Because this time Sapar's children join the special relationship between Sapar and his mother-in-law.

An elderly craftswoman passes on the secrets of making ala kiyiz to a group of young girls from the city. Watching their efforts, she sees a reflection of her youth, and in their laughter and patience, she finds hope for the continuation of the craft.

In Kyrgyz culture, male circumcision matters. The hero of the film is a boy who was left out of sight of his parents. Guys - peers - mock him. The hero faces a dilemma: how to get out of this difficult situation with dignity?

The teacher of Physical Education in a rural school has to provide for his family by panning for gold in the river Naryn.

A young entrepreneur, Meder, decides to put his family plans on hold in search of career growth. Accidentally traveling to the future, he suddenly realizes that his 20-year-old son, who was abandoned in the womb, is anxiously searching for his father. To improve his life, he needs to make friends with his unsuspecting son and at the same time learn to be a father, a friend, and a person, but is Meder ready for such a turn of events?

In the vast plains of Kyrgyzstan, men have been cultivating a group sport with a long tradition. The aim of the game buzkashi is to steal the trophy of a dead goat from the rival team of riders, all while staying on horseback. Into this tough masculine world enters Atirkül, a woman with an enterprising spirit and a sense of humour. The film follows the everyday life of the headstrong horse lover Atirkül, whose ambition is to build her own buzkashi team of local young men to preserve the heritage of her native region. The ethnographic perspective alternates with a purely personal one, gradually revealing the possibilities of overcoming gender roles

In 1957, Chinghiz Aitmatov, a young Kyrgyz student from the Moscow Literature Institute, destined to become one of the great writers of our time, arrives at a Kyrgyz village to receive the blessing of Sayakbay Karalayev, the famous narrator of the epic poem Manas. Looking back upon his life, Sayakbay recalls a number of historical events which took place throughout Kyrgyz and Soviet history.

There are revolutions and disorder in the country. However, an old man doesn't leave his motherland as many others and continues his lonely life.

“Who is Next?” is a timely documentary that sheds light on the systemic issue of violence against women in Kyrgyzstan, with a focus on the tragic case of Aizada Kanatbekova, who was kidnapped and killed in an attempt to escape a forced marriage. The film exposes the negligence of authorities in this case, which has led to public outrage. It serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that Kyrgyz women face and the urgent need for action to protect women’s rights.

A struggling painter has trouble finding inspiration for his latest study.

Film student fails to complete her senior project while fighting with her critical father and getting dumped by her boyfriend.

The hero hurries to his native village to celebrate the birth of his long-awaited grandson, but on the way he meets border guards. For the capture of the offender, they are entitled to a bonus, and therefore they do not want to let the old man go to his loved ones.

After the first film's events Askar has accepted and grown accustomed to his son-in-law Sam, who has already become a close and dear friend to everyone in the village. Suddenly, Sam's royal family, matchmakers, who arrive from Africa, completely unfamiliar with the local traditions

Baizak and Meerim grew up in the same village, and then both moved to the city. But this city draws the girl in, and one day she disappears. Baizak, who is in love with Meerim, embarks on a search.

Every weekend, his father takes Keku to the village. The boy's mother is in migration, and dad is tired of parental worries. In the village, the boy has his own love, but there is also another contender for her heart. A lonely hero who longs for his mother and seeks pure love.

The story is not about love. A man falls in love with a young girl, but he is already over 50.

An urban drama. The story takes place in Kyrgyzstan during the first years of independence. Three brothers, Kubat, Sato and Kanat, inherit a greenhouse from their father. The oldest brother, Kubat, takes care of it. The youngest brother, Kanat, destroys it. The middle brother, Sato, is indifferent to the situation.

Set in the vibrant, transitional period of 1990s Bishkek, Maksat, a young street-smart boxer with a tender heart, and Aisulu, a kind and principled university student from a respectable family. Despite coming from vastly different worlds — Maksat being an orphan and Aisulu having a privileged upbringing — the two fall in love. Their romance unfolds through everyday moments: strolls in the park, house parties, and small but meaningful gestures, such as gifting chewing gum. Their bond grows stronger in the face of social pressure and parental disapproval, especially as Aisulu is being pushed towards marriage with Tilek, a deceptive, self-serving man who doesn't love Aisulu. As the film merges the past and present, we follow the couple into old age, witnessing a love that endures all obstacles and hardships that come their way.

Single commander of a student dormitory intimidates inhabitants with her authority. She is quite opposite in relation to her secret daughters and dreams of having a husband. But once there is a man in her life the world collides.

The film tells a story of a relationship between horse and a 10 year old boy. Bakyt is son of a village roughrider. After school he spends time with his horse. Both him and his friend like the same girl. His dad is training Bakyt for the races. But the night before the races his horse gets stolen. He can't get over it, because he and his horse are a whole.

Sequel to the hit horror movie.

Aidos and Aliya want to divorce after several years of marriage. But suddenly it turns out that they have to divorce where the marriage was registered, that is, in Zharkent. When the couple wanted to leave, it turned out that the transport was in a faulty condition. Just at this moment, they meet their neighbors, the Zhandarbekov family, who are also going to Zharkent to collect apricots. After learning about the neighbors' problem, Zhandarbekova kindly offered to give them a ride.

Just before their wedding, doctors discover signs of a life-threatening disease in Adam. Not wanting to spoil the life of his fiancee, Adam tries to break off relations with her, but Aisha remains faithful to her chosen one, deciding to share her fate with him - whatever it may be...

Munabia depicts the story of a family's frustration, fury, sadness and eventual acceptance of a long term love affair between a widowed father and his mistress. The film is set in rural Kyrgyzstan, where the natural environment, local culture, traditions and political climate all play an integral part in the drama which unfolds.

A girl from Nepal, Hema, comes to Kyrgyzstan and finds Kairat to give him a letter from her mother Uma. From the letter we learn that they met 40 years ago when Kairat mistook Uma for the Indian actress Hema Malini.

The country is getting rid of stray animals - by shooting them. This is happening because most people in the country are indifferent to stray animals. But there is one woman who cares about the lives of these stray animals. Over the course of 5 years, she has accumulated over 200 injured, abandoned and starving dogs in her home. From discomfort and inconvenience, her neighbors have sued her and have already won twice. At the moment, the heroine is awaiting a third lawsuit, the likelihood of losing this trial is known to many. But she is ready to do anything to save her dogs. Will she be able to save them? Or will they be liquidated by court order?!

A silent day unfolds on the slope of a mountain… A child exists alongside his mother and father, yet each of them seems to inhabit a different world. With no dialogue, the film relies on visual storytelling. In certain close-up shots, color fades to black and white; symbolizing moments of inner solitude, personal conflict, and emotional disconnection. The unseen distances within the family are revealed not through words, but through images.

In search of thrills, eight friends - four guys and four girls - go on a mysterious quest, which is built on the site of an abandoned morgue. They want to test their nerves, laugh at their fears and make cool videos for social networks. But instead of a harmless game, a deadly test awaits them... "SOS: Zhardamga!" is an intense thriller about fear, betrayal and how real feelings manifest on the verge of life and death.

Inspired by Kyrgyz fairy-tales. When people have to select a new lord, they turn to a falcon for help.

The hunter's daughter and the young wolf unexpectedly rescue each other while wandering in the forest in search of their parents. Upon finding them, they face a difficult choice: follow the path of their parents or preserve their friendship.

A biographical film about one of the leading documentarians in the history of Kyrgyz cinema. The film tells about the creative path of Bekesh Abdyldaev.

5-year-old CODA Amanda is a precocious child who is celebrating her birthday with a family dinner. When her Deaf parents start arguing, however, she has had enough. Short and sweet, this cheeky short packs a good punchline.

Two brothers live in a small village. The elder brother finds it difficult to go out. The only person caring for him is the younger brother, who goes to the center of the village every day in search of a part-time job. Seeing each other is the main thing in the lives of the two brothers.

K-drama-obsessed student Aliya is in love with the Korean actor Lee Min-ho, whom she often refers to as Gu Jun-pyo (his most popular K-drama character). Her nemesis, Aizhan, challenges her to fly to South Korea and even marry him before the end of the semester, or Aliya will have to drop out of the university. However, a cute emo boy stands in her way...

A film about the life of herders and shepherds on summer distant pastures, known as the jailoo. It tells the story of people in a demanding profession, which gives the film a distinctive national flavor.

Popular blogger Aziret and his team go to shoot a report about an abandoned old house, where terrible legends are told. Ahead of them lies a real danger - a world where there is no border between the living and the dead. Popular blogger Aziret with his team goes to shoot a report about an abandoned old house, where terrible legends are told. Ahead of the heroes is an immersion in real horror, where the boundaries between the living and the dead are erased.

In Kyrgyz tradition, various cosmic customs existed that were associated with braiding, letting hair loose, and cutting. The ritual of hair braiding of our girls were known as kyrk örüm (forty braids), kosh örüm (two braids), bir örüm (one braid), and besh kökül (five braids).

The ancient nomads have a game called Alaman, which is played on horseback. The goal of the game “Alaman” is to master the carcass by taking it from the crowd of rivals and throwing it in front of the “owner”, that is, in front of the organizers of the game. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of riders compete for the prize. The game “Alaman” is not only a game. It is very similar to the world political system.

In the life of Aydai, there is no one except her younger sister. In order to take care of her, Ayday has to engage in prostitution. But one day she decides to start a new life, and it turns out to be not so easy.

One day in the life of a boy who wishes he could make an ancestral human dream come true and fly. With a machine he has made himself and with the strength of his own muscles, he intends to overcome the force of gravity.