Kyrgyz Film Ignites Global Buzz with Jury Award at Fantasia International Film Festival

The Kyrgyz film “Ot” (“Fire”), directed by Radik Eshimov, has earned a Special Jury Mention at the Fantasia International Film Festival, one of North America’s leading genre film events.

This marks a historic moment, as “Ot” is the first-ever Kyrgyz film to be featured at Fantasia-and it made an impressive debut by winning the Quebec Film Critics Association (AQCC Award), The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Set against the backdrop of a mysterious fire in a village home, the film is told through the fragmented recollections of three characters-a neighbor, a wife, and a mother. Each offers a distinct version of events, reflecting their own truths. The narrative structure draws on the classic Rashomon effect, where conflicting perspectives underscore the subjective nature of memory and truth.

Produced by 1.1 Studio with the support of the Kyrgyz Department of Cinematography, the film stars Aisanat Edigeeva, Omurbek Izraillov, and Kalicha Seydalieva, a celebrated People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan.

“Ot” has been praised for its artistic depth, emotional storytelling, and innovative approach to truth and perception-earning international recognition for Kyrgyz cinema on a prestigious stage.