Creators: Aidyn Sahaman, World Sales: Qazaqstan Distribution, Country: Kazakhstan, Language: Kazakh, S01 20х50′ S2 20×42′, 2022-2023, Rights: Europe and North America, Japan, Korea, Thailand.
Enlik, a resilient young mother, flees to her childhood village with her children, escaping the emotional scars left by her husband’s betrayal and violence. Returning to her father’s home, she seeks solace and recovery, but she quickly realizes that idleness will not bring her peace. Determined to provide for her children and reclaim her self-worth, Enlik turns her attention to the village’s lifeblood—agriculture. However, she faces two daunting obstacles: a lack of knowledge and the funds to pursue farming. Moreover, the local community holds traditional beliefs that ploughing the land is “men’s work,” discouraging women from such pursuits.
Undeterred by these societal barriers, Enlik embarks on a transformative journey of learning and self-discovery. Through sheer determination, she educates herself on the intricacies of farming, from crop rotation to modern irrigation techniques. She drafts a compelling business plan and manages to secure financial subsidies from the state, enabling her to begin revitalizing an abandoned and desolate valley near the village. With every seed she plants, Enlik sows not only crops but also a renewed sense of hope and empowerment for herself and her family.
As seasons pass, Enlik’s farming endeavor grows beyond expectations. Her once doubted venture becomes the pride of the village, inspiring other women to follow in her footsteps. Enlik’s success story transcends agriculture, symbolizing the modernization of rural life, the value of family, and the strength of women in the face of adversity.
In the span of a few years, the woman who arrived at the village broken and uncertain becomes a beacon of hope for the community, a champion of small and medium-sized entrepreneurship, and an advocate for rural agricultural reform. Enlik’s journey from pain to triumph speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of women to break boundaries, reshape their futures, and nurture both family and community.
Themes Explored:
- The struggle for gender equality in traditionally male-dominated spaces
- The modernization of rural agriculture and its potential to revive forgotten communities
- Overcoming domestic abuse and reclaiming personal strength and autonomy
- The importance of family bonds in the face of hardship
- Promoting small and medium-sized businesses as engines of local development