Shiza

Especially for her exhibition 18,000 Worlds, Saodat Ismailova selected films that provide an impression of the unfortunately unknown, yet exceptional cinematic history of Central Asia. For many years, filmmakers had to toe the line with Soviet ideology. Within these constraints, they developed their own way of portraying their countries, stories and culture. This created a unique cinematic legacy, the majority of which has never been seen outside the former Soviet Union. This film programme is an ode to the inspiring filmmakers from the region who, despite all the challenges, always continued to make films.

Saodat Ismailova about Shiza: “This is the story of a boy on the Kazakh steppes who becomes embroiled in criminality. It’s important to me to show the work of a female director: only after the collapse of the Soviet Union there was space for women in the film industry. Gulshat Umerova was a pioneer in the field and inspired many of us in this way”.

Saodat Ismailova’s exhibition 18,000 Worlds, which features installations and video works, explores the invisible foundations of Central Asia. Using personal and collective memories she links myths and the region’s recent history examining the healing effects of spiritual heritage.

Check out the exhibition page for the other audience programmes accompanying the exhibition and the screenings of Central Asian films. Films specially selected for 18,000 Worlds can also be viewed on the Eye Film Player.