Black Red Yellow

Director:

Aktan Arym Kubat

Genre:

Drama

Country/Region of production:

Kyrgyzstan

Synopsis:

The craft of carpet weaving in Kyrgyzstan boasts a long and legendary history, and is an integral part of local life. Turdugul, known as the most skilled carpet weaver in the valleys, spent years practising this craft in solitude. That was until Kadyr the horse herder entered her life, sparking a long-overdue romance that ultimately ended in a wordless farewell – leaving only an unfinished carpet behind. Years later, when the black, red and yellow patterned carpet was unfurled at his funeral, memories slowly unfolded in her heart like woven threads.

Why we recommend it:

"Black Red Yellow" is the latest work from Kyrgyzstan's renowned director Aktan Arym Kubat. As one of Central Asia's most internationally influential filmmakers, he has been hailed as the "poetic symbol of Central Asian cinema." The film continues his signature lyrical style, using black mountains, green waters, yellow earth, and blood-red threads to recount an emotionally resonant yet wordless fragment of love transcending time.

Reflecting on his experience as jury president for the Asian New Talent Award at the Shanghai International Film Festival two years ago, Aktan Arym Kubat remarked: "I have attended many film festivals but never witnessed such meticulous preparation and genuinely warm hospitality." Although he spent nearly all his time viewing films and unable to deeply experience the city's charm back then, Shanghai – with its "interweaving of new and old" – still left a profound impression. This time, he is looking forward to reconnecting with the city, both familiar and unfamiliar, presenting "Black Red Yellow" in a face-to-face dialogue with audiences. He also aims to explore this metropolis that marries tradition and future in even more depth.