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A study on the modern cinematography of Central Asia
Cross-Cultural Studies
2008,
12(2), pp.347-367
DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2008.12.2.347
Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
Research Area : Literature
DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2008.12.2.347
Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
Research Area : Literature
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If at the beginning of the 1990's, the moment of the fall of the Soviet Union, the countries of Central Asia were approximately in the same situation economically and one ideology dominated the whole region, then during the ten years of independence there were many changes, and the destinies of these neighboring countries unfolded differently. Since the Soviet myths were discarded the cinematographers of Central Asia turned their heads to the archetypes of their cultures. The nomadic culture was re-approached by the Kazakhs, Kyrgyzs, and Turkmens, while the Uzbeks reconsidered the settled culture and the Tajiks - the mountainous culture. For instance, in Kazakhstan film « Together with the father » Karim lives together with his son in the small room of hostel. Their life is uncomfortable, and the all-male world knows neither compliments nor emotion. Not everything in their relationship runs as smoothly as it should, and woman's gentle hand is obviously absent from this unlived space. But all sorrows and problems are forgotten when the father's shoulder is there to lean on, and the son's hand rests in the father's large hand. In Kergyzstan film « The unknown route » a group of villager returns home on the bus. During the conversation the true motives for the heroes' behaviour gradually emerge. Arguments about religion, about everyday and political themes, and about relationships lead to unpredictable consequences. The rebellious passengers, indignant about the driver's impudent behaviour, chuck him out of the bus halfway along the journey. The question of another driver arises. Then something unforeseen happens: the bus is half-suspended on the verge of an abyss, in danger of losing the balance and tumbling into a ravine. An unknown younf man, whom nobody had taken seriously before. Comes to their aid. Kazakhstan's « In the town of A » is a full-length feature film, which consists of five short novellas that are connected through the heroes, neighbours in a five-story house. As a matter of fact, the film represents a certain slice of life in our time. It tells about modern life, about people living in today's Kazakhstan. The stories are recognizable and clear for every spectator.
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