Madina

Nestled in the harsh winter lands of Kazakhstan, a single mother, dancer, and breadwinner struggles to take care of her grandmother, a withdrawn younger brother, and a two-year-old daughter. As she fights for alimony and battles the conundrum to give in to the demands of a wealthy admirer; her baby brother shares a harsh shocking revelation about his childhood. Madina discovers within her an undeniable resilience and courage to tell the truth, seeking justice for her brother and eventually finding her nurturing self roar to protect her own.

Directed by Aizhan Kassymbek
Produced by Aizhan Kassymbek, Abid Aziz Merchant, and Apoorva Bakshi

Director’s Bio: Aizhan Kassymbek graduated from the Asian Film Academy program at 2019. Her debut short film “SU” won the Grand Prix at Hanoi’s Festival. “AUA,” another notable work, screened at global festivals. Her debut feature “FIRE” premiered at Busan International Film Festival at 2021, gaining recognition at 30+ festivals, earning 16 awards. Aizhan empowers women in film, evident in her all-woman crew debut. She aims to bolster Kazakhstani female filmmakers. Her second film “Madina,” a co-production with India and Pakistan, was premiered in Tokyo International Film Festival at 2023.

Preceded By

Something Blue

Directed by Jinsui Song

Emily returns home to attend her cousin’s wedding. In this jovial setting, she struggles to confront the source of her past trauma.