Kyrgyz Drama on Violence Against Women ‘Kurak’ Lands at Fire and Ice Media for Asian Sales at EFM (EXCLUSIVE)

Philippines-based Fire and Ice Media has nabbed Asian sales rights to “Kurak,” a powerful Kyrgyz drama tackling violence against women, and is introducing the film to buyers at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM).

The film, now in post-production, represents a milestone France-Kyrgyzstan co-production – the first in two decades – and stands as the largest Central Asian co-production to date in terms of participating countries.

Directed by Erke Dzhumakmatova and Emil Atageldiev, “Kurak” weaves multiple narratives centered on women facing systemic abuse, including a webcam model blackmailed by law enforcement, a mother seeking justice for her daughter’s suicide after assault by a politician’s son, and a journalist fighting to expose these crimes. The film incorporates real news footage to underscore its ripped-from-headlines authenticity.

The production gained early traction at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival’s Central Asian Co-production Workshop, backed by CNC and the Eurasian Film Market.

The multinational production is staged through Dzhumakmatova’s Studio Oymo (Kyrgyzstan), with key producers including Kairat Birimkulov for Switzerland’s KBP, Katerina Tarbo-Ignatenko for France/Serbia’s Spirito Libero, Pavel Feldman for the Netherlands’ Human Films, and Alexandra Hoesdorff for Luxembourg’s Deal Productions.

Additional co-producers include Milos Djukelic (Red Art Workshop, Serbia), Paolo Maria Spina (Revolver, Italy) and Johann Chapelan (Girelle Production, France). The cinematography is handled by Erzhan Arakeev, with Svetlana Dubina serving as production designer.

Fire and Ice Media CEO Liza Diño said: “‘Kurak’ is a necessary and powerful film that gives a voice to those often unheard. It’s an honor for Fire and Ice Media to represent its Asian sales and ensure this urgent story reaches audiences who need to see it.”

The film has secured backing from Kyrgyzstan’s Department of Cinematography and the Central Swiss Film Specialist Group IFFG.