From 11-15 June, the Kyrgyz capital played host to the third edition of the Bishkek International Film Festival, which continues to establish itself as a vibrant platform for Central Asian and international film professionals. With its array of screenings, industry events, Q&As, pitching sessions and master classes, the event drew filmmakers and cinephiles from across the globe.

The festival’s competitive strands included the International, Central Asian and KyrgyzBox sections, with juries assessing entries on the criteria of directing, performance and visual artistry. The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) also awarded a prize to one standout Central Asian title.

In the International Competition, the Grand Prix (worth 500,000 KGS, or approximately €5,300) was awarded to MA – Cry of Silence [+lire aussi :
critique
fiche film] by Myanmar-born director The Maw Naing. The film, a co-production between Myanmar, Singapore, France, Norway, South Korea and Qatar, is sold by Alpha Violet and follows Mi-Thet, a garment factory worker in Yangon who struggles with unfair wages. As her colleague Nyein-Nyein begins rallying female workers to lead a strike, Mi-Thet hesitates, burdened by past trauma. However, when a pressing emergency forces her hand, she decides to join the movement.

Next, the Tallinn-winning film Silent City Driver (Mongolia – see the review) also impressed, winning Best Performance for actor Tuvshinbayar Amartuvshin and Best Director for Sengedorj Janchivdorj. The Best Cinematography Award was bestowed upon Deal at the Border, lensed by Kyrgyz DoP Bolsunbek Taalaibek uulu.

In the Central Asian Competition, Chyngyz Narynov’s Mergen clinched the Grand Prix (also worth 500,000 KGS) and also snagged the FIPRESCI Award. Kazakhstan’s Aruan Anartay was named Best Director for Joqtau, while Yerlan Toleutay (also from Kazakhstan) won Best Performance for his role in Abel. In addition, Kyrgyz writers Dastan Madalbekov and Aizada Bekbalaeva picked up the Best Screenwriting Award for Burning.

Finally, the KyrgyzBox section, spotlighting local productions, crowned My Love by Ruslan Akun, Aziza Khalbekova and Manas Khaldarov as Best Film.

Here is the list of winners at the third Bishkek International Film Festival:

International Competition

Grand Prix for Best Film
MA – Cry of Silence [+lire aussi :
critique
fiche film] – The Maw Naing (Myanmar/Singapore/France/Norway/South Korea/Qatar)

Best Director
Sengedorj Janchivdorj - Silent City Driver (Mongolia)

Best Performance
Tuvshinbayar Amartuvshin - Silent City Driver

Best Cinematography
Bolsunbek Taalaibek uulu - Deal at the Border (Kyrgyzstan)

Central Asian Competition

Grand Prix for Best Film
Mergen – Chyngyz Narynov (Kyrgyzstan)

Best Director
Aruan Anartay - Joqtau (Kazakhstan)

Best Performance
Yerlan Toleutay - Abel (Kazakhstan)

Best Screenwriting
Dastan Madalbekov, Aizada Bekbalaeva - Burning (Kyrgyzstan)

KyrgyzBox

Best Film
My Love – Ruslan Akun, Aziza Khalbekova, Manas Khaldarov (Kyrgyzstan)

Best Director
Ilgiz Kuvatbek, Shamilbek Bekbosun uulu - Shut Down (Kyrgyzstan)

Best Performance
Dinara Bagyshpaeva - Ayash 4 (Kyrgyzstan)

Best Cinematography
Nurbek Mambetisaev - Wrestler (Kyrgyzstan)

FIPRESCI Prize
Mergen – Chyngyz Narynov