Dutch premiere

Aruan Anartay | Drama | 70min | Kazakhstan | Kazakh, Russian

Synopsis

After seven years away, young scientist Darkhan returns home to Kazakhstan, accompanied by his girlfriend, Elena. His grandfather Sagat invites them on a journey deep into the ancestral homeland. As they travel through the vast Kazakh steppe together, Elena, an outsider, quietly observes their world, steeped in tradition.

Blending poetic storytelling with a documentary-like approach, Joqtau explores the intersection of modernity and tradition, capturing both the beauty of the landscape and the characters’ search for identity. Joqtau is director Aruan Anartayev’s feature debut. The film was nominated for the Golden Leopard – Filmmakers of the Present Award at this year’s Locarno Film Festival.

Programme

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