This is what it's all about. A powerful drama about the status of women in Kyrgyzstan
’Kurak’ (English: «shreds») highlights the suppression of women’s rights in Central Asia and is based on true stories. The film is about three Kyrgyz women who are trapped in a patriarchal society between tradition and modern values. It is about a webcam model, the curator of a feminist exhibition and a mother whose daughter is raped by a politician’s son. Their fates show relentlessly the challenges many women in Kyrgyzstan face daily, how the hierarchical system suppresses their rights and shapes their lives. Although Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, women there are often exposed to violence, discrimination and the violation of their rights. The film aims to draw the world’s attention to their difficult situation. ’Kurak’ was presented in renowned programmes such as the Asian Project Market (APM) 2021 and the Busan Film Festival (South Korea). It also received the Special Mention Jury Prize at the Vilnius International Film Festival.
Filmszene KURAK 
Filmszene KURAK 
Filmszene KURAK 
Filmszene KURAK 
Filmszene KURAK
My project is special because ... The motivation behind the project
’Kurak’ is a particularly important project because it is one of the first films to depict the position of women in Kyrgyzstan without taboos. Shot in a documentary style and at original locations in Bishkek, the film aims to draw international attention to the issue, stimulate a global discussion on women’s rights in Central Asia and promote dialogue between East and West. As a Swiss producer with Kyrgyz roots, it is important to me to help break the so-called ’culture of silence’ and to draw international attention to the blatant disregard for women’s rights in the Central Asian states, which has hardly been discussed so far. This is also the goal of our international crew team. We want to show the world that women’s rights in Central Asia are still suppressed despite efforts by the state and civil society, and we hope to spark a global discussion about this.
This is what I need backing for.
Your support will help us to complete the film and promote it internationally to a global audience. The funds raised will be used for copyright protection, post-production (sound mix, design, colour grading and subtitling in Swiss national languages and UN languages) and international promotion. With your help, we can further raise awareness of women’s rights in Central Asia and make a difference. Every contribution brings us closer to completing the film work.