International premiere
Mukagali
A Man of great talent. Misunderstood and censored genius. Loving caring father. Lonely fighter for freedom. Eagle of High Mountains. Lucky, but Ill-fated Poet, whom we never knew. Mukagali Makataev became recognized only after his death in 1976. Nowadays he is named as legendary poet of Kazakh literature.
The 90th Anniversary of Mukagali (full name is Mukhametkali) is celebrated by riveting biographical drama, which director Bolat Kalymbetov (don’t miss his hilariously comical acting turn in “Herd Immunity”) cherished for 15 years. He restores style of old Soviet movies and brings honest authenticity of ruthless crashing times.
Attractively filmed drama concentrates on 3 last years of Mukagali, who adores Pushkin, Yesenin, Dante and Shakespeare. He voluntarily leaves the University in Moscow after Brezhnev’s rise to power, opposes the virtues of communism, works passionately to preserve melodious independent Kazakh language. Mukagali’s recent poem “Raimbek, Raimbek” about beloved native village isn’t allowed to publish. Writers Union receives an order to decide on Mukagali’s fate although always kind and compassionate poet doesn’t ask for any favours. Sadness and alcohol overtakes his soured heart, but struggling Mukagali never abandons a personal motto - poetry loves freedom!
Edvinas Pukšta
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Bolat Kalõmbetov (snd 1955) on kodumaal kuulus näitleja, filmirežissöör ja stsenarist. Ta on lõpetanud näitleja eriala Kasahstani riiklikus konservatooriumis 1977 ja režii eriala Almatõ riiklikus teatriinstituudis 1989. On filmilavastajate ühingu liige aastast 1984. Tema filmograafiasse kuulub üle 50 näitlejatöö. Hetkel töötab ta filmide lavastamise ja näitlemise kõrval ka professorina Almatõ kunstiakadeemias.
Aynalayyn (My Darling, 1990), Poslednie kholoda (The Last Cold Days, 1993), Talan (2018), Mukagali (2021)
Grand Prix for The Best Film, grant of 20 000 euros from the city of Tallinn