JOQTAU​

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Drama

​' 80

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Darkhan, a young scholar, returns home after seven years away. With him comes his girlfriend, Elena. The eldest member of the family, Darkhan’s grandfather Sagat, invites his grandson and his partner on a journey to his native lands, hidden in the endless expanse of the steppe. Together, the three embark on a transformative, meditative journey, confronting questions of acceptance while feeling out and testing the strength of the bonds that connect them.

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The title of the drama, “Joqtau,” refers to a mourning song traditionally performed by women at funerals—a national ritual practice. Over the centuries, the ritual has evolved into an art form, becoming a distinct genre within Kazakh poetry. The film “Joqtau” is a song of sorrow for a loved one who has passed.

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Directed by Aruan Anartayev

Kazakhstan

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Blackmagic Design URSA

Mini Pro, BMPCC 6k,

Red prime lenses