The 17th Eurasia International Film Festival, which will take place in Almaty from November 24 to 30, 2024, promises to be a platform for highlighting the rich cinematic traditions of Central Asia and the Turkic world.
One of the festival's key competitive programs, featuring works by directors from these regions, includes nine films that tell unique stories, rich in emotion, cultural depth, and unexpected narratives.
The Central Asia and Turkic World Film Competition acts as a bridge between cultures, showcasing the diverse world of cinema. Its goal is to promote the region's cinematic arts on the international stage and create a platform where audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values and challenges faced by Central Asia and the Turkic world in the 21st century.
This year, the program spans eight countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Tatarstan (Russia), and Sakha (Yakutia, Russia). This not only underscores our unity and diversity but also offers audiences films that reflect both shared cultural traditions and distinct national identities.
Highlighted films from the program: personal stories to epic narratives:
1. One of Those Days When Hemme Dies (Turkey, 2024, 83 min)
The director invites the audience into the hot summer of southeastern Turkey, where the protagonist, Eyup, works harvesting tomatoes to repay a debt. After a conflict with his boss, his despair and search for a solution turn an ordinary day into a profound drama about social inequality and self-discovery.
2. Melody (Tajikistan, Iran, 2023, 85 min)
This moving film tells the story of Melody, a music teacher who helps children suffering from cancer find joy through music. Her attempt to create a unique composition from bird sounds leads her on an emotional journey to her home village, where she must not only capture the sounds of nature but also reconnect with the importance of her past.
3. Joqtau (Kazakhstan, 2024, 70 min)
This film follows a young couple returning to Kazakhstan after a long absence. Their journey through the native steppe becomes a poignant exploration of family bonds, spiritual ties to the past, and the quest for reconciliation.
4. The Mountain of Lovers (Tatarstan, 2024, 99 min)
Set in the village of Tallykul, where for centuries people have climbed the Mountain of Lovers to pledge eternal loyalty, this film explores the mountain’s imminent destruction due to mining. The central character, an elderly woman named Yasmina, stands against the machines, protecting the sacred site, turning her act of resistance into a powerful symbol of the strength of the human spirit.
Other Participants: reflecting on the Past and Present
- Maryam (Azerbaijan, Turkey) offers an emotional narrative about the protagonist’s return to her roots, intertwined with overcoming family trauma.
- Deal At the Border (Kyrgyzstan) promises to provide an unexpected perspective on human interactions in the border zone, where various interests and fates collide.
- Makhtumkuli Fragi (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan) takes viewers back to the 18th century, portraying the youth of the great poet and thinker. The film delves into his quest for knowledge, his passionate desire for the unity of his people, and his deep love for his homeland.
- Where the Cranes Dance (Yakutia) captivates with its fairy-tale atmosphere and the belief in legends that white cranes bring happiness.
- Tree of Destiny (Turkmenistan) delves into the tragic events of World War II, intertwining personal stories with the fates of nations.
The Central Asia and Turkic World Film Competition offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage, to feel the pulse of the past, and to view the present through the lens of cinema. Each film presents a unique perspective, highlighting the deep connections among the peoples of the region, despite the borders that separate them.
The festival is founded and traditionally organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the Kazakhfilm Studio named after Shaken Aimanov entrusted with the direct organization of the event.
To note, sponsors include the mining company KAZ Minerals, Sarens Kazakhstan, Salem Entertainment, the Kinopark Theatres cinema chain, and Astana Motors.
General sponsor: Bazis-A international construction company.
Media Partners: "Khabar" JSC, Qazaqstan TV Channel, NTK TV Channel, Europa Plus Kazakhstan, Eldoradio, Qazaq Gazetteri, Egemen Qazaqstan, Kazakhstanskaya Pravda, Antenna Kazakhstan, New Generation, ORDA, Kazinform International News Agency, Arbat Media, El.kz, Baq.kz.
We invite everyone to enjoy the captivating power of cinema that inspires, challenges, and broadens your view of the world. Don’t miss the chance to experience these remarkable stories on the big screen!
