The Light Thief (Svet-ake)
World Panorama
Aktan Arym Kubat / Feature Narrative / France, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Netherlands / 2010 / 80 min / Color / 35 mm
In Kyrgyz / English, Arabic subtitles
Interests: Drama
Middle East Premiere
Rated: Mature subject matter. Not suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 18 are not admitted into cinemas.
Synopsis
When a small village is caught in the midst of local corruption and impending foreign rule, unlikely heroes are called in. Director-star Arym Kubat boldly comes from behind the camera to play the highly affable Svet-ake, the town's most reliable resident who makes his living illuminating homes and businesses. In order for Svet-ake also known as Mr. Light, to realize his dreams of having a son (he already has four girls) and bringing cheaper energy to the poor village, he must take a stand against those who have more sinister money-making plans. Kubat and cinematographer Hassan Kydyraliyev's visual storytelling style matches the cast's truthful and entertaining performances with equal weight and beauty. Set against the stark landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, "The Light Thief" is a memorable tale of a community that struggles to survive against all odds.
About the Directors
Aktan Arym Kubat
Born in 1957 in Kyrgyzstan, Aktan has been working as a director since 1990. He won the 1993 Golden Leopard of the Future at Locarno Film Festival for "The Swing" and the 1998 Silver Leopard for "The Adopted Son." Aktan graduated from the Art Academy in Bishkek (formerly Frunze).
Credits
- Director
- Aktan Arym Kubat
- Screenwriter
- Aktan Arym Kubat, Talip Ibraimov
- Editor
- Petar Markovic
- Director of Photography
- Hassan Kydyraliyev
- Production Designer
- Talgat Asyrankulov
- Music
- Andre Matthias
- Cast
- Aktan Arym Kubat, Taalaikan Abazova, Askat Sulaimanov, Asan Amanov, Stanbek Toichubaev