A family of nomads dwelling high in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan doesn't need any of the conveniences of modern civilization in order to be happy. But progress is creeping into their lives regardless, destroying legends and traditions as it comes.“ ”
Synopsis
A family of nomads live in the high, remote mountains of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia; elderly herdsman Tabyldy, his wife Karachach, their daughter-in-law Shaiyr and their 7 year old granddaughter Umsunai. Shaiyr's son studies in the city and visits them only during the summer holidays. Her husband died many years ago when he was drowned in a mountain river, trying to save a foal. Shaiyr decided to stay with the family due to her strong attachment to the wonderful land and its people. The family breed horses and life goes on as normal amidst the beautiful scenery of the mountain gorge. But another resident of the area appears in Shaiyr's life, meteorologist Ermek, whose weather station is located near to the family's home.
KYRGYZ ENTRY FOR OSCARS 2016
There are still places in this world where people live in harmony with nature and its mythology. A family of nomads dwelling high in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan doesn't need any of the conveniences of modern civilization in order to be happy. In the eyes of seven-year-old Umsunai, legends meld with reality and help her overcome her grief over her deceased father. When her uncle returns from the city, she enthusiastically devours his stories of urban life. Yet, in her grandparents’ minds, the very same stories stir up dismal fears about their son’s detachment. Umsunai’s mother is also reluctant to leave their modest rural home behind, even if it means foregoing the chance of a new relationship. For the elderly herdsman and his wife, the heavy machinery that suddenly appears on the meadows where their horses graze represents an omen of painful change. It’s as if a part of their own souls disappears with every destroyed piece of the landscape. This poetic essay about waning traditions is actor Mirlan Abdykalykov's debut feature and was based on a screenplay by renowned director Aktan Arym Kubat. (Text: Anna Purkrábková)
Film gallery
Details
Director: Mirlan Abdykalykov
Genre: Drama
Original title: Sutak
English title: Heavenly Nomadic
Country of production: Kyrgyzstan
Year of production: 2015
Length: 81 min
Color: colour
Screening format: DCP
Original language: Kyrgyz
Subtitles: English
Cast: Tabyldy Aktanov, Jibek Baktybekova, Taalaikan Abazova, Anar Nazarkulova, Jenish Kangeldiev
Scriptwriter: Mirlan Abdykalykov
Director of photography: Talant Akynbekov
Editor: Murat Ajiev, Eldiar Madakim
Producers: Sadyk Sher-Niyaz
Co-producers: Altynai Koichumanova
Production company: Aitysh Film
Co-production company: Oy Art Film Producing Company
Film poster
Festivals / Awards
Karlovy Vary IFF 2015, Czech Republic - East of West Competition
Jasmine IFF 2015, Iran
Haifa IFF 2015, Israel
Kinoshock FF 2015, Russia - Grand-Prix
Eurasia Int'l Film Festival 2015, Kazachstan - Grand-Prix, Special Diploma of the Jury (Zhibek Baktybekovoy awarded for "a brilliant and sincere performance as granddaughter")
Sao Paulo IFF, Brazil
Jio Mami Mumbai FF 2015, India
Asian World Film Festival 2015, USA - Main Competition
Mumbai IFF, India
Cottbus IFF, Germany
Brisbane Asia Pacific FF, Australia - APSA Academy NETPAC Development Prize for emerging talent
Festival des 3 continents Nantes, France
Cairo IFF, Egypt
Dhaka IFF, India
Bosphorus Film Festival, Turkey
Palm Springs IFF, USA
International Film Festival Portland, USA
Green Mountain Film Festival, Montpelier, USA
St. Paul International Film Festival, Minneapolis, USA
RiverRun International Film Festival, USA
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, USA
Istanbul Film Festival, Turkey
Russian Film Academy - NIKA-Award - Best Film from CIS and Baltic countries
Beijing International Film Festival, China
Istanbul Film Festival, Turkey
Duhok Film Festival, Iraq
Skandinavian IFF Helsinki, Finland
Silk Road International Film Festival, China
Quebek City Film Festival, Canada
Xinjiang Asia Europe Film Festival, China
Pyongyang International Film Festival, North Korea
Visionär Film Festival, Germany
WOW Wales One World Film Festival, UK
Litomerice FF, Czech Republic
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