Fire and Ice Media, a Philippines-based company, has successfully acquired the Asian sales rights to Kurak, a gripping Kyrgyz drama that sheds light on the pervasive issue of violence against women. The film is currently in post-production and is being introduced to potential buyers at the Berlin European Film Market (EFM), one of the most prominent platforms for filmmakers and distributors worldwide. This acquisition marks a significant step for Kurak, as it prepares to reach a broader audience and spark critical conversations about gender-based violence.
Kurak is a landmark achievement in international cinema, representing the first France-Kyrgyzstan co-production in over two decades. It also stands out as the largest Central Asian co-production to date, involving multiple countries and showcasing the power of collaboration in storytelling. Directed by the talented duo of Erke Dzhumakmatova and Emil Atageldiev, the film intertwines multiple narratives that follow women facing systemic abuse and injustice. These stories include a webcam model being blackmailed by law enforcement, a mother fighting for justice after her daughter’s suicide following an assault by a politician’s son, and a journalist determined to expose these crimes. By blending these fictional accounts with real news footage, Kurak delivers a raw, unflinching portrayal of reality, making it a film that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant.
The journey of Kurak began gaining momentum at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival’s Central Asian Co-production Workshop, where it received support from CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée) and the Eurasian Film Market. This early recognition highlights the film’s potential to resonate with global audiences and its importance as a cultural and social commentary. The production is led by Studio Oymo, a Kyrgyzstan-based company founded by director Erke Dzhumakmatova, and is supported by a diverse team of international producers. Key contributors include Kairat Birimkulov from Switzerland’s KBP, Katerina Tarbo-Ignatenko from France/Serbia’s Spirito Libero, Pavel Feldman from the Netherlands’ Human Films, and Alexandra Hoesdorff from Luxembourg’s Deal Productions. Additional co-producers such as Milos Djukelic (Red Art Workshop, Serbia), Paolo Maria Spina (Revolver, Italy), and Johann Chapelan (Girelle Production, France) further underscore the film’s multinational effort. The cinematography is handled by Erzhan Arakeev, while Svetlana Dubina serves as the production designer, bringing a visually striking and immersive quality to the film.
Liza Diño, CEO of Fire and Ice Media, expressed her enthusiasm for Kurak, calling it a “necessary and powerful film” that amplifies the voices of those who are often silenced. Diño emphasized the honor of representing the film’s Asian sales rights, ensuring that its urgent and timely story reaches audiences who need to see it. This sentiment aligns with the film’s core mission: to challenge systemic patriarchy and bring attention to the struggles faced by women in Central Asia and beyond. By partnering with Fire and Ice Media, Kurak is poised to make a significant impact in the region and beyond.
The film has also received financial backing from Kyrgyzstan’s Department of Cinematography and the Central Swiss Film Specialist Group IFFG, demonstrating its strong institutional support and the confidence stakeholders have in its storytelling and cultural significance. These endorsements reflect the growing recognition of Kurak as not just a cinematic project but a movement towards systemic change. By addressing issues that are often swept under the rug, Kurak has the potential to spark difficult but necessary conversations and inspire action.
In summary, Kurak is more than just a film—it is a powerful statement about the resilience of women in the face of oppression and a call to action for a society that often turns a blind eye to their suffering. With its gripping narratives, international collaboration, and unwavering commitment to shedding light on systemic abuse, Kurak is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Its journey from the Cannes Film Festival to the Berlin European Film Market and beyond is a testament to the power of storytelling in driving change and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. As Fire and Ice Media works to bring this film to Asian audiences, Kurak is poised to become a defining moment in contemporary cinema, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and inspiring them to take a stand against injustice.
