Sad, depressing realities of Kazakhstan.

Shiza (2004) directed by Guka Omarova.

There is something magical in the films from Central Asian republics that serious viewers cannot disassociate themselves from them.No one knows for sure whether it has got something to do with folklore or customs or the fact that they have freed themselves from Soviet union.Whatever might be the reason it is sure that some of the films from these reasons are made by enterprising filmmakers who have always made nice films despite having been burdened with lack of funds.Schizo is one such film made by Guka Omarova.In the past she has been assistant to the great Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov.She has made good use of the current day political situation in Kazakhstan to make an entertaining filmby using some rather common dramatic elements.Schizo functions as a double edged sword as not only it entertains but always leaves a serious message on viewers'minds.The film is a watchable treat thanks to the title character who proves in the end that the week and meek are not to be taken for granted.

The sorrowful tale of a French tourist falling in love with a Kazakhstan belle.

Steppe Express (2005) directed by Amanzhol Aituarov and Satybaldy Narymbetov

On our habitable planet Earth there are various kinds of film viewers.There are certain who, in order to laugh incessantly about people,places and cultures unfamiliar to them, need veritable, periodic doses of discourteous "movies" like "Borat".Let me make a frank confession. I have not yet seen this film by Sacha Noam Baron Cohen. However, I do wish to state that it is only through films made by native filmmakers that a spectator can acquire the real feel of distant lands.

This is precisely the case of "Stepnoi Express (Steppe Express) directed by Kazakh duo Amanzhol Aiutarov and Satybaldy Narymbetov which provides us with a picture postcard vision of Kazakhstan. It is based on a short story by the legendary Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. Somewhere in Kazakhstan there is a small village whose inhabitants see a train pass through the steppe on a daily basis. For everyone there are lessons to be learnt about the funny thing called life as a French man comes to this god forsaken place. He meets a Kazakh father, starts liking his daughter. This is just the beginning of various
hilarious episodes featured in this film. A word about the amateur actors of this film. "François Labbé" was happily vacationing in Kazakhstan when he got the role due to a stroke of luck. "Aizhan Aitenova", non professional actress of this film had finished her technical studies when she was approached by Aiutarov. "Steppe Express" won the audience prize at Vesoul Asian Film Festival 2006 run by the indefatigable couple Jean Marc Thérouanne and Martine Thérouanne who make it a point to introduce hidden gems of Asian cinema. Make sure you see this film in order to enjoy your forthcoming trip to Kazakhstan.