STARS OF THE STEPPE

THE FILMS

Gibelã Otrara / THE FALL OF OTRAR
Kazakhstan 1990
Direction: Ardak Amirkulov. Screenplay: Svetlana Karmalita, Aleksei German. Cinematography: Saparbek Koitchumanov, Aubakir Suleev. Editing: A. Kistauovoi. Sound: A. Baigarina, Gulsara Muchataeva, Olga Vagina. Music: Kuat Shildebaev. Sets: Umirzak Shmanov, Alaksandr Rorokin. Costumes: Liudmila Trachtenberg. Cast: Bolot beishenaliyev, Dochdurbek Kydyralev, Tungyshbai Djamankulov, Sabira Ataeva, Ali Tuchuzev, Abdurashid Machsudov. Production: Kazakhfilm Studio.
35mm B&W-Color 165min

A strange and fascinating historical epic set in the 13th century, filmed in sepia tones which underscore the landscapes and atmosphere of another world. In eastern Asia, the Mongol leader Genghis Khan is expanding his empire, devouring the continent city by city. As he approaches Muslim Central Asia, he encounters minimal resistance from most of the local leaders, until he reaches the small city of Otrar, in the kingdom of Kipchaks, governed by the fierce and proud Kairkhan.