Director : Tolomouch Okeev
Script : N. Baitemirovn Tolomouch Okeev, Guennadi Orlov
Cinematographer : Kydyrjan Kydarliev
Editing : Rakiya Shershenova
Set Artist : Saguynbek ichenov
Music : Tashtan Ermatov
Cast : Tattybyubyu Tursunbayeva, Iskender Ryskulov, Sabira Kumushaliyeva, Suymenkul Chokmorov, Bolot Beyshenaliev
Production :
Studio Kirgizfilm
Distribution :
Gaumont Pathé Archives
24 rue du docteur Bauer
93400 St Ouen
01 49 48 15 03
[email protected]
Year : 1972
35 mm, Black and White, 97 mn, v.o. kirghiz, with ST
Unpublished
In the Fergana Valley in Kyrgyzstan, in the 1930s, collectivization is the rule. A kulak is to be elected to lead the kolkhoz. The kulaks want to place one of their own but Ali suggests that Ourkouïa Salieva, a young peasant woman, should take this responsibility, symbolizing the changes taking place. The wealthier peasants think that a woman won’t succeed in the job. The young woman manages to transform the village thanks to the construction of an irrigation canal. The kulaks, with Adj-aka, a wise guardian of traditions, as their leader do not admit defeat. One night, some men enter Ourkouïa’s home... “The characters have to be capable of love but also of hate. Without that, there is no conflict and so the film doesn’t move the audience. And without that, there is no art. We can’t transform the cinema into a bland diet where the main dish would be mush. And if we want to serve the members of the audience something sweet, let’s not be afraid of giving them salt and pepper too. Otherwise, who will understand when it’s sweet?” Tolomush Okeev
