The River

A story about a family who lives in a small, remote Kazakh village. Out of five siblings, 13-year-old Aslan is the oldest. His father often needs to leave and asks him to hold down the fort. The rest of the boys respect and look up to Aslan – he’s their older brother. Together they go by the eponymous river. For the strictly raised boys, the trip is a perfect break from everyday chores and work. One day, they’re visited by a cousin from the city. Kanat owns a tablet, a window to a completely different world. The younger brothers immediately take up with him and crave the electronic gadget. Aslan is getting increasingly angry and envious as the conflict between him and Kantan intensifies. The family’s orderly world begins to crumble. A symbolic journey into a poetic realm of fundamental values. A tale of good, evil and growing up.

written by Emir Baigazin
director of photography Emir Baigazin
music Justyna Banaszczyk
production design Sergey Kopylov
costume design Aidana Kozhageldina
edited by Emir Baigazin
cast Zhalgas Klanov, Zhasulan Userbayev, Ruslan Userbayev,, Bagdaulet Sagindikov, Sultanali Zhaksybek, Kuandyk Kystykbayev, Aida Iliyaskyzy, Eric Tazabekov
producer Emir Baigazin Production
co-produced by Madants, Norsk Filmproduksjon As
co-financed by Polski Instytut Sztuki Filmowej