''Scream'' ( Kazakh: ''Айқай'') is a 2023 Kazakh drama film directed by Kenzhebek Shaikakov. It explores the impact of nuclear testing on a small village, highlighting the struggles and resilience of its inhabitants through a touching father-son narrative. The film was shot in the picturesque village of Shingozha, located in the Abai Region. It got official selections at 28th Busan International Film Festival, 30th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema, Taipei Film Festival 2024 and 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival.

Plot

Melis and his son Zhalgas live a carefree life. They are residents of a small village near a nuclear testing area. Zhalgas looks forward to the day of the nuclear test. The reason is that, on those days, he is exempted from studying at school. It seems that even adults do not understand the dangers and consequences of this nuclear test.

Cast

* Orynbek Shaimaganbetov as Melis * Arnur Akram * Zhandarbek Ayubay

Release

The film had its World Premiere at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on 6 October 2023 within ''A Window on Asian Cinema'' section. It was screened at the Taipei Film Festival, Taiwan on 23 June 2024. The Russian Premiere of the movie was held on 24 August 2024 at Lendoc Film Festival. It was also screened in the NETPAC section at the Asian Film Festival, Barcelona on 31 October 2024.

Reception

Commenting on the direction, Panos Kotzathanasis of ''Asian Movie Pulse'' wrote, "Kenzhebek Shaikakov implements an approach that is quite close to the documentary in order to highlight a life that could very easily be described as utopian, both for the particular setting and for the no-way-out existence of the locals. At the same time, and in order to tone down the bleakness, he has included much symbolism in the form of particular characters."

Accolades

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, 64439064 2023 films Kazakh-language films Films set in Kazakhstan