Adilet Karzhoev was born in 1988 in Kyrgyzstan. He received a Bachelor's degree from the Kyrgyz-Turkish University Manas (department of Radio, TV and Cinema) and a Master's degree from the American University in Central Asia ( department of Journalism). Adilet produced several documentaries and fiction films, which became laureates of many international film festivals, including “Merci Docteur” (2016). “Burul” is one of the two films he shot in 2023.
Burul is screening at Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia
The film begins with a young girl training in wrestling in her yard, using a make shift stuffed doll which seems quite heavy. Her name is Burul and her father is not particularly happy for her doings, evidently because he thinks endeavors like that are not for women. Burul does her chores, while he ignores a young man in a car who seems to flirt her. She is evidently strong and she seems to be particularly fond of her young sister, Zhibek, who seems to be the opposite of her, not even wishing to get out of bed to go to school.
The next scene has the two going to school together in their uniforms, while the previous man in the car is still lurking around. At the same time, her father is throwing the scarecrow she used to train away. In school, she has a tough time focusing, getting jealous of the boys who train in wrestling. The coach does not allow her to stay in training, but she convinces him to let her stay for a moment. The guys in the car appear once more, and this time not for any good.
Although not evident from the beginning, Adilet Karzhoev deals with the concept of Ala kachuu (Kyrgyz: ала качуу), a form of bride kidnapping practiced in Kyrgyzstan. The term can apply to a variety of actions, ranging from a consensual elopement to a non-consensual kidnapping, and to what extent it actually happens is controversial. In this case, the latter happens in the most pointed fashion, with the director showing its cruelty and violence.
The way the whole thing commences and the attitude of the people around, particularly of the other women present, result in a rather pointed comment regarding the state of women in rural Kyrgyzstan, which appears particularly bleak. At the same time though, the 15-minute short closes with an optimistic message, which is quite pleasant to watch, promoting the value of understanding in two levels.
The cinematography by Zhumanazar Koichubekov captures the rural setting with artistry and realism, while a great job has been done in the coloring. Karash Zhanyshov's editing results in a fast pace that suits the style of the story, with the kidnapping and its aftermath presented in faster fashion.
Adema Iskenderova as Burul is quite convincing in the way she presents the headstrong, dreamy and loving protagonist, in an anchoring performance that is definitely among the biggest traits of the film. Zheenbek Monoshov as her Father is also convincing in the role.
“Burul” is an excellent short that implements an entertaining story to highlight a relatively unknown phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan and the overall situation of women in the country.
