Kazakhstan is tearing it up!

It’s becoming impossible to keep track of all the ultra-violent action thrillers that have recently emerged from this exotic Central Asian country. They’re gory and raw, but that’s not all – they also tackle powerful social issues rooted in Kazakhstani reality, such as corruption, crime and gender discrimination. Here are our top picks of Kazakhstan's new wave.

Sicko

Sicko

A cash-strapped couple becomes embroiled in a toxic web of social media, violent criminality and spiralling greed.

Local title
Haiglane
Director
Aitore Zholdaskali
Country
Kazakhstan
Zhaza

Zhaza

In a small town, a corrupt major learns that his daughter has been raped by the chief of police.

Local title
Karistus
Director
Darkhan Tulegenov
Country
Kazakhstan