Kazakhstan’s film triumphs at the 2024 Baku International Film Festival

ASTANA – Askhat Kuchincherekov’s Kazakh film “Bauryna Salu” (Adoption) won a high prize at the Baku International Film Festival 2024, which took place from October 4 to 8.

Young actor Yersultan Yermanov had the challenging role of embodying the complex character of Arman. Photo credit: kazakhcinema.kz

According to the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information, Siddik Bayram, head of the jury and laureate of the Golden Globe award, highly rated the Kazakh film. He described ‘Bauryna Salu’ as one of the most intense films in Central Asia. It illustrates the national tradition of raising children by older relatives, as well as the exquisite sensitivity of the child’s soul. He also expressed his optimism that the film will expand and reach new heights.

Golden Globe award winner Siddik Bayram described “Bauryna Salu” as one of the most intense films in Central Asia. Photo credit: Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information

Starring the young actor Yersultan Yermanov, Kuchincherekov’s film was shot in the villages of Kuigan and Tuyyk in the Almaty region. The director worked on his debut film for three years.

It tells the story of a young boy Arman, who at birth was given to his grandmother for upbringing, according to an ancient Kazakh tradition ‘bauryna salu’. This is a common practice for the first child in young families.

As Arman grows older, his relationship with his parents remains strained and he feels resentment towards them. When he turns twelve, his grandmother dies, forcing him to rejoin the family he barely knows.

The movie was in September chosen compete for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.