Ayana Nurdinova’s Mugalim opens the San Sebastián Festival
Kazakh film Mugalim had its world premiere in the New Directors section.
The Kazakh feature film Mugalim, co-written and directed by Ayana Nurdinova, had its world premiere at the San Sebastián Festival, in the New Directors section, on September 20. Featuring the voices of some of the country's most established actors, the film is described as “poetic, slightly fable-like, animated by a warm nostalgia,” according to the director.
The story follows a music teacher from the small town of Balkhash who dreams of joining the Philharmonic of the big city. Tired of local weddings and celebrations, he seizes an opportunity offered by his best friend’s uncle, but must choose between his family, his students and his artistic ambition. Producer Aruzhan Dossymkosha noted that Kazakh cinema is experiencing a very active period, with numerous films and series, and is on an upward trajectory for the next ten to twenty years.