Pure Coolness
by Ernest Abdyjaparov
Kyrgyzstan
Director: Ernest Abdyjaparov
Script: E. Abdyjaparov
Cinematographer: Aibek Djangaziev
Editing: George Kolotov
Sound: George Kolotov, A. Balashova
Music: E. Abdyjaparov, Murzali Jenbaev
Cast: C.A. Toktobekova, T. Abylkasymov, S. Iskenaliev, E. Osmonalieva
Production: Oy Art Film Producing Company, A. Koichumanova Ald Capital Group
Year: 2007
35 mm, Colour, 95 min,
OV Kyrgyz with English Subtitles
French Electronic Subtitles
Unrleased
French Premiere
Asema, a young Kirghiz girl from the city, against her parents' wishes, makes a trip with her fiancé, Murat, to his family's village. Murat's family try to force them to marry immediately. However, Asema and Murat want to wait until the autumn. But in the remote, mountainous villages of Kirghizstan an ancient custom exists: the "bride stealing".
Is it possible to justify this custom today, even if husband and wife eventually live happily ever after? This is the theme running through this contemporary, disturbing but ultimately heart warming tale of family loyalty, deception, betrayal and, above all, love. Filmed in the rugged, majestic mountains of Kirghizstan with sweeping, panoramic shots of mountains, lakes and forests, it vividly portrays this centuries-old Kirghiz custom while colourfully reflecting the life, culture and hardships of the people in this unique and fascinating country.