Spoiler Alert
Very few people know where Kyrgyzstan is, and even fewer realise it has a growing film industry. Right now, that industry is innovating and expanding—and Burning stands at the forefront. Directed by Radik Eshimov, the film blends folk horror with a chilling exploration of a family falling apart at the seams. It begins with the mysterious murder of a boy whose killer remains unknown.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives: the father’s mother, the grieving parents, and family friends—all searching for answers about Amirchik’s death. Farida (Elvira Sofiyeva), the family matriarch, embodies tradition and old-world ways. Often seen as the “old witch,” she firmly disapproves of her son Marat (Aibek Kudabaev) and daughter-in-law Asel’s (Nazgul Kenzhetay) plans for another child. Sofiyeva delivers an exceptional performance—both intimidating and commanding, demanding respect. Though she’s not my grandmother, the cultural echoes helped me connect her portrayal to my own heritage. Farida’s presence feels deeply matriarchal, even if her old ways cannot mend family rifts.