Cinema - WOW - Tulpan (Cert. 12A) 

WOW Wales One World Film Festival 9

Dir: Sergey Dvortsevoy

Russia 2008 1hr 40mins
Kazakh with English subtitles
Tulepbergen Baisakalov, Ondasyn Besikbasov, Zhappas Dzhailaubaev

Set on the Kazakh steppes, where the pinnacle of achievement is to become a shepherd, this delightful comedy is full of wonderfully drawn characters eking out their nomadic life in a spectacular, empty land. A sailor home from the sea, Asa is keen to marry. But Tulpan, the only potential bride for miles around, is unimpressed by his tall stories and big ears. So Asa has to be content to share a crowded yurt with his sister, her noisy family and a brother-in-law who is always on his case. But Asa doesn't give up and he continues to dream of a life that may not be possible on the steppe. With a nice line in the absurd and unexpected incongruities, this is a dry, deadpan comedy to celebrate.

Winner of Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes Film Festival 2008