Category: Culture and Sports
Olga Korotko: “The film is a comedy in its construction and a tragedy in its outcome”
In Crickets, It's Your Turn, Kazakh filmmaker Olga Korotko explores gender-based violence, complicity and the structures of power that sustain them. Ahead of the film's Spanish premiere in Barcelona, she… [...]
Tajik tradition meets punk: Shahina Olimzade is rewriting the rules of fashion
Tajik fashion designer Shahina Olimzade is challenging traditional dress codes with punk-inspired silhouettes, dark colours and cultural motifs. In an interview with Novastan, she discusses her debut collection QASHANG, her… [...]
Trapped in a time loop: How Zero Point Action is pushing Mongolian cinema into science fiction
What happens when a man is forced to relive his own murder? Mongolian filmmaker Aldar Enkhbayar discusses the ideas behind Zero Point Action, the influence of video games, the social… [...]
“When Appearance Replaces Faith”: Sarvar Karimov on His Uzbek Film Farz
Set in Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley, Farz (Duty) explores the tension between sincere faith, personal integrity and social expectations. Director Sarvar Karimov speaks to Novastan about his film's minimalist visual style,… [...]
Beyond Karakorum: How Italian and Mongolian archaeologists are uncovering the past
Archaeologist Roberta Menegazzi discusses new discoveries in Mongolia's Bayangolyn Valley, Italian-Mongolian research cooperation, and the importance of involving local communities in preserving archaeological heritage. [...]
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Beyond the postcard: An exhibition in Kyrgyzstan puts everyday life in the frame
An unusual photography exhibition at Karakol Bus Station challenges conventional images of Kyrgyzstan. Featuring works by more than 50 amateur photographers, Kyrgyzstan Beyond the Postcard explores everyday urban life and… [...]
“A Person of Conscience Is Almost a Fairytale Character”: Chingiz Narynov on His Kyrgyz Thriller Mergen
Blending Kyrgyz mythology with crime drama and psychological suspense, Mergen explores corruption, environmental exploitation and the struggle for justice. Director Chingiz Narynov speaks to Novastan about the legends that inspired… [...]
Can design help reimagine the future of the Aral Sea? Joseph Grima on a different kind of school
Can design help address the Aral Sea region’s environmental challenges? Aral School director Joseph Grima discusses climate change, local knowledge and a new approach to design education in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan. [...]
Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir: “Housing is the Mongolian dream – and nightmare”
Mongolian filmmaker Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir discusses Ulaanbaatar, the country’s apartment obsession, masculinity, spirituality and her determination to show a modern Mongolia beyond stereotypes of nomads, horses and the steppe. [...]
‘I am a German from Kazakhstan’: Lena Wolf on deportation, memory and finding home
Lena Wolf, a German from Kazakhstan, reflects on her family’s deportation, Soviet-era Russification, migration to Germany and the search for identity across generations. [...]
Dotor Khuree: “We want to make Mongolian music with contemporary instruments”
Dotor Khuree blends Mongolian musical traditions with contemporary instrumentation. The Ulaanbaatar band discusses its latest EP, musical identity and Mongolia’s independent scene. [...]
Share Happiness, build an industry: Lola Animation’s Uzbek animation story
Producer Azimjon Rahimjonov speaks to Novastan about Lola Animation, the making of Share Happiness, the rapid growth of Uzbekistan’s animation sector and the ambition to bring Uzbek-created films to international… [...]