KELIN

A parable about an ancient Turkish people that regards the Kazakhs as its ancestors. This people lives in the Altai Mountains and worships a god by the name of Tengry. The ancient Turks bellieved themselves to be descendents of the blue wolf, conferring them the ability to understand the language of animals and spirits. The mode of life of these nomads is strongly influenced by the rituals of the shamans, with whom they sought protection and shared their joys.

The film is about two men, Baktashi and Mergyen, who are in competition with one another for the favour of the young Kelin. Their rivalry takes the form of a contest over the size of the bride price to be paid. Baktashi wins and thereupon takes the young woman home, where his mother Ene and younger brother Kaini await them.

Mergyen, unable to accept his defeat, battles on however and ultimately prevails. According to tradition a widow is to marry the younger brother of her deceased husband in such a situation, but Mergyen kidnaps her, a course of action her now forlorn mother-in-law is neither willing to accept nor tolerate. She moves heaven and earth, not to mention spirits and animals, in order to prevent Mergyen and Kelin from being happy together. The result, devoid of dialogue, is a highly dramatic story full of hatred and passion in which taboo behaviour comes up against tradition and spiritual guidance.