Kazakhstan’s ‘Mugalim’ From Director Ayana Nurdinova World Premieres in the New Directors Section of San Sebastián

Featuring some of Kazakhstan’s most established actors, the film’s “poetic, slightly fable-like form is driven by a warm sense of nostalgia,” says Nurdinova

By Roberto Prieto

Roberto Prieto

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Kazakhstani film “Mugalim” (“Múğalim”) had its world premiere at the San Sebastián Film Festival as part of the New Directors section on Sept. 20.

Co-written and directed by Ayana Nurdinova, the film tells the story of a music teacher from the small town of Balkhash who dreams of moving to the big city to perform in the philharmonic. Tired of playing at small parties and weddings, he finally gets the the opportunity to do so when his best friend’s uncle offers him the chance to move to the city with him. He has to make the difficult choice of leaving his family and students behind in order to pursue his dream of making it big as an artist.

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