"Daddy Died on Saturday": the debut film by director Zaki Abdrakhmanova

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The film "Papa Died on Saturday" is now in theaters. It won an award at the prestigious Russian film festival "Mayak" and received positive reviews from critics. This film marks the debut of Zaki Abdrakhmanova, known for her work on the script for "My Mother's Penguins" and her assistance in creating the documentary for "Bullfinch." We'll tell you whether this story of love and loss is worth checking out.

Aiko (Laura Tursunkanova) is a film makeup artist living in Moscow. During one of the shoots, she receives the sad news of her father's death. Despite the protests of her loved ones, Aiko decides to go to the funeral in her native village in Kazakhstan. The funeral brings together several generations of women from the family, who have difficulty communicating with each other: the deceased's mother, his sister (Danagul Temirsultanova), two wives (Venera Nigmatulina and Samal Yeslyamova), and the youngest daughter Kuka (Amina Orazbay). This family gathering reveals to them not only the grief of loss, but also long-standing grievances, misunderstandings, and the need to establish connections between generations.

Aiko immediately comes into conflict with everyone except her grandmother. Memories of childhood grievances and how her father beat her mother and left her for a younger woman come back to haunt her—no one intervened. In protest against her family, the girl decides to stay in the village until spring. During this time, she meets a boy who had a crush on her back in school. He supports her and helps her find peace in a place where she didn't expect it.

Zak Abdrakhmanova studied under renowned documentary film and theater masters Maria Razbezhkina and Mikhail Ugarov. Her thesis, the autofiction "Zhanym," shares plot parallels with the film "Papa Died on Saturday." Similarities between these works can be traced both in the visual narrative and in the correspondence between the young director and her mentor, Razbezhkina.

The documentary "Zhanym" can be considered the foundation of Abdrakhmanova's feature debut. It is a story about finding oneself in a complex family environment that is impossible to escape, but also difficult to understand. The film deeply explores the emotional experiences and internal conflicts that arise in such circumstances, making it relevant and resonant for many viewers.

The film "Papa Died on Saturday" is often called "small," but that description isn't entirely fair. This film is a perfect work of art, not necessarily considered intimate, as it works beautifully on the big screen. Although the film likely won't make a significant box office hit in today's climate, its clear and simple stories about everyday themes are reminiscent of how similar films sold out theaters in the Soviet era. Nowadays, such stories are especially relevant and in demand.

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A prophet in his own country: dancing, rap and duels is a topic that touches on important aspects of cultural identity and self-expression. In modern realities, dancing, rap and poetry duels are becoming not only art forms, but also a way of conveying social and cultural messages. These cultural elements allow young people to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, as well as unite around common ideas. It's important to note that dance and rap can take unique forms across different regions and communities, reflecting local traditions and modernity. Creative competition, such as in poetry duels, creates space for dialogue and exchange, making the culture more vibrant and dynamic.

The action takes place in Kazakhstan, but that doesn't change the essence. The reality remains the same: a mullah attends a funeral instead of an Orthodox priest. Everything else, including floorboards, carpets, snow, and the constant fear of others' opinions, is familiar to anyone who grew up in a village. These universal experiences unite people regardless of geographic location.

After a man returned from the war, he brought with him violence that fell upon women. Now that the man is gone, his family has to face the consequences of this violence. Several generations of women and children are trying to understand the situation and overcome the trauma left by his passing. This issue affects not only individual families but also society as a whole, raising important questions about gender-based violence and its impact on the future.

The film "Daddy Died on Saturday" is aimed at a female audience. Women make up the majority of viewers in Russia and can intuitively understand why a teenager with family problems seeks comfort and support in the arms of an older man. This emotional context makes the film particularly relatable and understandable for them.

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Kidney: The History of Kidney Failure and Heart Failure

Kidney failure is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the inability of the kidneys to perform their functions, which leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body and disruption of water and electrolyte balance. The causes of kidney failure are varied, including diabetes, hypertension, and various kidney diseases.

Heart failure often accompanies kidney failure, creating complex clinical situations. The kidneys and heart are interconnected, and their health plays a key role in the overall health of the body. When the heart fails, blood flow to the kidneys decreases, which can worsen their function. This vicious cycle requires a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of kidney and heart failure can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. It is important to monitor your health, undergo regular examinations, and follow doctor's recommendations. Understanding the relationship between the kidneys and the heart will lead to early detection of diseases and more effective treatment.

Zaki Abdrakhmanova's film is a profound and multi-layered work that touches on important themes of identity and belonging. The main character, Aiko, dressed in blue and light brown, finds herself surrounded by familiar blue walls and light brown steppes covered in white snow. This contrasts with the other women, who prefer dark outfits and headscarves, emphasizing her loneliness and alienation in her familiar surroundings. The film deeply explores issues of cultural identity and social pressure, creating an intriguing visual and emotional experience for viewers.

Aiko's confrontation with her younger teenage sister highlights the protagonist's infantilism, which has failed to fully transition into adulthood. The father's second wife, a young and meek woman named Venera, displays strength when it comes to protecting her daughter. Resistance to violence becomes an important indicator of love, which ultimately turns Aiko into a superheroine.

Behind all this The apparent ease and obviousness conceal a profound mastery of the craft. Abdrakhmanova understands precisely what she wants to convey to the audience and how. Her works avoid the shaky handheld camerawork often found in novice directors. Instead, most scenes are shot statically, allowing for a detailed examination of both the characters' faces and the surrounding environment—rooms and streets. This approach underscores her professionalism and allows the viewer to better immerse herself in the work's atmosphere.

The documentary director adheres to the principle of honesty in all aspects of his work, including acting. His experience working with prominent humanists of Russian cinema, such as Natalia Meshchaninova and Boris Khlebnikov, influences not only the technical mastery but also the emotional atmosphere of the film. His works avoid stereotypical "bad" characters. Instead, we see people suffering from life's circumstances, those who have not yet reached adulthood, those who are intimidated, or who mistakenly consider themselves heroes. True heroism manifests itself in qualities such as love, forgiveness, and openness to the world around us. This creates a deep and sincere portrait of human nature that resonates with viewers.

Reading is an important part of our lives, as it allows us to gain new knowledge, develop our thinking and expand our horizons. Regularly reading books, articles and other materials helps improve memory, concentration and analytical skills. In addition, reading helps us better understand the world around us and form our own views. It's important to choose high-quality sources of information to develop critical thinking and learn to distinguish truth from fake information. Maintaining a healthy reading routine, whether it's fiction or scientific articles, is key to personal and intellectual growth. Don't forget to share what you've read with others; it promotes the exchange of opinions and strengthens social connections. The female gaze is a concept that explores how women perceive the world through the lens of film and media. This approach helps liberate female characters from stereotypes and stereotypical representations often imposed by the male gaze. In recent years, there has been a trend for films and TV series to pay more attention to female characters, their inner worlds, and experiences. This approach not only enriches the plot but also allows viewers to see themselves on screen in a more realistic and diverse light. The female gaze in cinema contributes to the creation of deeper and more layered characters, where women are not just objects, but active participants in the plot. This helps create an emotional connection between the viewer and the characters, making the stories more accessible and relatable.

As a result, female gaze is changing the rules of the entertainment industry, opening the door to new voices and stories that reflect the female experience. This isn't just a trendy title, but a necessity that helps create a more inclusive and diverse cinema.