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Screenings
Saturday 03/14 20:30
Bio Oko
Language: Chechen, Kazakh, Russian
Subtitles: Czech, English
River Dreams
(Сны реки)
The inner world of the Aksai River intertwines with the intimate dreams of young Kazakh women. Moving from poetic reflections on identity and the future, the protagonists gradually arrive at clearly formulated views on the state of their country.
The gently unfolding thoughts of these Kazakh women in their twenties escalate into a palpable rage. In this vast Central Asian state, corruption and violence against women are rife. The powerful abuse their positions, and the law remains powerless against them. Society is held back by the legacy of Soviet rule and a traditional patriarchal worldview. The women’s testimonies alternate with vibrant shots of the river’s surroundings, visually underscoring the film’s urgent message. Kristina Mikhailova’s debut is the first Kazakh-produced feature documentary to be screened at the Berlinale, offering a powerful message from a generation yearning for change.
Basic information about the film
| Title | River Dreams |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Chechen, Kazakh, Russian |
| Subtitles | Czech, English |
| Premiéra | Czech premiere |
| Film type | Full-length documentary |
| Year of Production | 2025 |
| Country of Origin | Kazakhstan, Switzerland, UK |
| Length | 98 min. |
| Director | Kristina Mikhailova |
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