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
Bolat Kalymbetov (b. 1955) is a Kazakh famous actor, film director and scriptwriter. He graduated from Acting department of Kazakh State Conservatoire named after Kurmangazy in 1977 and directing department of Almaty State theatre Institute in 1989. Member of the Filmmakers Union since 1984. Got the award as an Honored Arts worker of Kazakhstan in 1998. His filmography as an actor consists of more than 50 films. He is a professor of Acting and Directing workshops at Art Academy named after T. Zhurgenov in Almaty.
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, Award for Best Director, grant of 5000€ from Alexela
