Kazakh Film Showcased at Esteemed Film Festival in New York City
In a remarkable turn of events, the documentary film "Cookies for Her Father, My Great-Grandfather, Her Grandfather" has made history as the first Kazakhstani documentary project to be nominated for the "Critics' Choice" award in the "Best Debut" category. This poignant road movie, directed by Alina Mustafina, has been captivating audiences worldwide with its exploration of universal themes of memory, loss, and continuity, all woven into a personal story.
The film tells the compelling tale of three generations of women from Kazakhstan who embark on a journey to Poland to pay their respects at the graves of their great-grandfather, father, and grandfather who perished in World War II. Along the way, the film passes through a country that no longer exists - the USSR, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.
The film's journey has been nothing short of triumphant, having been screened at numerous prestigious film festivals. It made its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, followed by the European premiere at the Wide Angle section of the Torino Film Festival in Italy. The film was also screened at the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival in Tatarstan and the Bolzano Film Festival Bozen in Italy, among others.
One of the film's most significant accolades was winning the Grand Prix for Best Film at the international competition at Cinema Verite in Iran. It also received the President's Award for Outstanding Debut at the Bastau Film Festival in Kazakhstan. The film's American premiere is scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 10, 2025, in New York, while the European premiere is currently in the international competition at the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival in September 2025.
Producer Yerkejan Maksut commented, "This film is not just a story, but a personal gesture towards the past, an attempt to restore the thread between generations. We are grateful to every festival and viewer who felt its meaning."
As of now, there are no publicly listed upcoming screenings for the documentary film specifically in the United States. However, interested viewers can stay updated by checking the film’s official website or social media pages, keeping an eye on major documentary and independent film festivals in the US, or signing up for newsletters or event calendars at local cultural centres and libraries. The film may also soon be available on streaming platforms like PBS, Netflix, or other SVOD services specializing in documentaries.
This thought-provoking documentary is a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of identity, roots, and the enduring power of family bonds in a rapidly changing world.
"Should you be looking for engaging works in the 'entertainment' category, thedocumentary film "Cookies for Her Father, My Great-Grandfather, Her Grandfather" is a remarkable choice, offering insightful explorations of 'movies-and-tv' from Kazakhstan."
"Interested viewers in the United States can stay updated on potential screenings or streams of the film by following its official website, social media pages, major documentary and independent film festivals, or local cultural centers and libraries."
