Disclaimer: The Friends of Kyrgyzstan is a non-partisan, non-profit group and does not necessarily endorse any link that may be offered below. The links are offered merely as a convenient starting point for further investigation and do not necessarily represent the extent of or the best of available resources.
The most widely available Kyrgyz film is "Beshkempir" or "The Adopted Son" (1998) by Aktan Abdikalikov, which is available on DVD on large online DVD websites.
Another Abdikalikov film is"Selkinchek" or "The Swing" (1993). His shorter films include "The Dog Was Walking By" (1989) and "Assan-Ussen" (1997).
"Altyn Kyrghol" or "My Brother Silk Road" (2001) by Marat Sarulu has also been screened in some major U.S. cities.
One of the most revered Kyrgyz filmmakers was Tolomush Okeev, who made "Lutiy" or "The Fierce One" (1973).
Other short films are "Lestnitsa v Dome s Liftom" or "Stairway in the House with an Elevator" (1982) by Aman Kamchibekov.
Some 10-minute short films are "The Guard" (1989) by Beyzhan Aidkuluev, "Aldey" or "Lullaby" (1997) by Ernest Abdizhaparov, "The Fly-Up" (2002) by Marat Sarulu.
According to a member, "Arto
Halonen’s 2001 one-hour documentary film 'The
Stars Caravan' is excellent. It is best film I have ever seen about Kyrgyzstan,
with beautiful screens of the landscape and people. The film features professional
projectionists, who in Soviet times screened outdoor movies in remote areas,
often moving their equipment with horses. Government subsidies for this work
ended with the Soviet Union’s demise. The film does an excellent job
chronicling the issues facing Kyrgyzstan after eight years of independence.
It is available in Kyrgyz and Russian with English subtitles."
"There are Horses" (1965) by Tolomush Okeev.
A clip from "Herder's Calling: A Tradition Dying in the Kyrgyz Republic" (2004) by Najeeb Mirza can be seen here.
In March 2004, Frontline/World showed a documentary titled "The Kidnapped Bride" (2004) by Petr Lom on the PBS network in the U.S. There are clips from the documentary and also a photo gallery with accompanying Kyrgyz music.
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