International Competition
SUNDAY
- Onsite
- 7.14 (Sun) 16:30 Convention Hall
- 7.17 (Wed) 11:00 Audio Visual Hall
- Online
- 7.20 (Sat) 10:00 - 7.24 (Wed) 23:00
©Yoshlik
Director: Shokir KHOLIKOV
Cast: Abdurakhmon YUSUFALIYEV, Roza PIYAZOVA
2023 / Uzbekistan / 97min.
An elderly couple lives in a quiet village in Uzbekistan. Our hearts are warmed to see their simple, full life. They raise cows and milk them. They shear sheep and spin their wool into yarn which they dye and weave fabric out of. They nap with the radio on and watch a tube TV as they eat. Their town-dwelling son wants to tear down the pair's familiar home and rebuild. The couple resists, but that doesn’t seem to have any impact on their son, who starts moving in electrical appliances. One by one, the household utensils are replaced with more modern versions: a gas stove that they cannot turn on, a refrigerator that makes no noise, and a television that they can’t figure out. How much disruption can this bewildered couple withstand? Shokir Kholikov’s directorial feature-length debut, Sunday has been well-received at film festivals around the world, including winning the Asian New Talent Award for Best Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival. The two lead actors have a tremendous presence. Watching the fate of the elderly couple unfold, the audience is gently asked to consider what it means to live well as human beings in our contemporary society.
Director: Shokir KHOLIKOV
An emerging writer-director from Uzbekistan, graduated with a Master’s degree in Film and TV directing from the Uzbek State Institute of Arts and Culture in 2023. His short films have gained international recognition, participating in numerous festivals and receiving over 40 awards. His debut feature film, SUNDAY (23), garnered acclaim, winning the Asian New Talent Award for Best Film at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival, among other accolades. Shokir is currently developing his second feature, LEG in collaboration with Kazakh producer Aigerim Satybaldy.
Message
To me, this tale delves into the heart of generational transformation. We witness the ripple effects, from the influx of new elements to the initial shift in ingrained beliefs, marking a leap towards contemporary standards, even in the most secluded corners. However, that’s merely the film’s surface.
Beneath it all, this cinematic journey delves into the profound metamorphosis of the human spirit. It encapsulates the intricate web of exchanges—of possessions, generations, eras, and the inner and outer realms of humanity.
We step foot inside the house once, only to exit it once more. Every twist and turn unfolds within this humble abode. It’s a glimpse into the inner sanctum of an elderly man and woman, where we become inhabitants of their secluded universe, bearing witness to external forces molding their world.
