Ernar Kurmashev

A Dark, Dark Man

A boy is murdered in Kazakh village. Detective Bekzat wants to wrap up the inquiries quickly: after all, the perpetrator has already been found by local police officers. But when a journalist arrives from the city, everything falls to pieces. For the first time in his career, Bekzat must conduct a real investigation according to procedure.

Holidays Offline

Three friends open a camp for kids born in the city who do not know the traditions and customs of their ancestors.

Businessmen

Events in the "Businessmen" unfold in the era of the 90's, when the country is experiencing an economic crisis. Heroes of the film are among the first who stood at the origins of market relations in Kazakhstan.

The Gentle Indifference of the World

After her father's untimely death, Saltanat is forced to trade her idyllic countryside life for the cruel city. She has to find money to pay off the large family debt that her father left behind, in order to save her mother from jail. Friends since their village childhood, her loyal, but penniless admirer Kuandyk follows her just to make sure his sweetheart is safe. Saltanat's uncle introduces her to a possible groom, who promises to pay off her family's debts. But Saltanat's hopes are dashed, when she discovers that the men in this city don't keep their word. When Kuandyk tries to help Saltanat get the money through other ways, he ends up finding himself in more trouble than he bargained for. Although life keeps dealing them bad hands, Saltanat and Kuandyk never give up, no matter what the odds.

Alone

A young woman lives in a big weird and empty city. There is no other humans, no noise from the streets and no sounds of nature. The only one who shares her loneliness is her little daughter. They do everything together, draw, play and read fairy tales every night. But their perfect world drastically changes when they notice someone else’s presence.

Districts

Alma-Ata, 1987. The protagonist of the film is 16-year-old Arsen, who moves from the suburbs to the city center and goes to a new school. At the new school, he makes friends with classmates who are active participants in the so-called "District Movements". Along with this, Arsen faces street, teenage hierarchy and violence. And before him there is a choice, to become like everyone else or to remain true to himself.