DIRECTOR: Ruslan Akun
STARRING: Emil Esenaliev, Anarkul Nazarkulova
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 25 minutes
LANGUAGE: Kyrgyz, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Russian, Turkish, Uzbek
The film is the story of 35 year old Adil. He lives in a small village with his 75 year old mother, Raikhan Apa, who always tells Adil that the Almighty loves him in a special way, and therefore he will go straight to Heaven. But Adil doesn't want to go to Heaven without his mother, so he decides to take his mother on foot to the holy city of Mecca.
***
Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet is the latest film from Ruslan Akun, who has already directed eight previous films, including Finding Mother, but this is his first official submission. Starring Emil Esenaliev and Anarkul Nazarkulova, the film made its worldwide debut in Bishkek in March 2024, followed by release dates in Kazakhstan and Russia.
The film was announced as their submission by a member of the board of the Union of Cinematographers of Kyrgyzstan, Talantbek Tolobekov. He stated that “Ruslan Akun, a talented director with a worldwide reputation, has created a truly masterpiece that has already won the hearts of audiences at many international film festivals. This film is not just a work of art, it is a message of peace and goodness from our people.”
The film was produced by Ruslan Akun.
Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet is a drama and the film was shot in seven different countries across Central Asia.
To check out all previous submissions for Kyrgyzstan, click HERE.
STARRING: Emil Esenaliev, Anarkul Nazarkulova
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 25 minutes
LANGUAGE: Kyrgyz, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Russian, Turkish, Uzbek
The film is the story of 35 year old Adil. He lives in a small village with his 75 year old mother, Raikhan Apa, who always tells Adil that the Almighty loves him in a special way, and therefore he will go straight to Heaven. But Adil doesn't want to go to Heaven without his mother, so he decides to take his mother on foot to the holy city of Mecca.
***
Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet is the latest film from Ruslan Akun, who has already directed eight previous films, including Finding Mother, but this is his first official submission. Starring Emil Esenaliev and Anarkul Nazarkulova, the film made its worldwide debut in Bishkek in March 2024, followed by release dates in Kazakhstan and Russia.
The film was announced as their submission by a member of the board of the Union of Cinematographers of Kyrgyzstan, Talantbek Tolobekov. He stated that “Ruslan Akun, a talented director with a worldwide reputation, has created a truly masterpiece that has already won the hearts of audiences at many international film festivals. This film is not just a work of art, it is a message of peace and goodness from our people.”
The film was produced by Ruslan Akun.
Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet is a drama and the film was shot in seven different countries across Central Asia.
To check out all previous submissions for Kyrgyzstan, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“If I take my mother on foot, she will be in Paradise.”
Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet is an emotionally charged and symbolic film that offers a blend of personal sacrifice, faith, and devotion. Directed by Ruslan Akun, the film delves into the story of a 35 year old man named Adil, whose cognitive abilities are that of an 8 year old, and his 75 year old mother, Raikhan. Adil's sincere devotion to his mother drives him to embark on a remarkable and physically taxing journey to take her to Mecca for hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage.
This mother-son bond is at the heart of the film, highlighting themes of love, protection, and a yearning for religious salvation. Raikhan tries to shield Adil from societal mockery by telling him that he is one of God's favored beings, destined for heaven. Upon learning that a mother whose son takes her on the hajj pilgrimage is guaranteed a place in paradise, Adil resolves to make the journey, wanting his mother to join him in heaven.
The film is set against the backdrop of a long and perilous trek, where Adil pulls his elderly mother on a cart through several countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Throughout their pilgrimage, they receive help from kind strangers, capturing the film’s message of universal goodwill, selflessness, and humanity. The director, Ruslan Akun, emphasizes that the central aim of the movie is to inspire compassion and encourage good deeds.
The film also resonates strongly within the context of Kyrgyzstan’s increasing embrace of Islam. This is reflective of the growing influence of Islam in Kyrgyz society, as evidenced by the exponential rise in the number of mosques in the country since gaining independence from the Soviet Union.
Adil is motivated by the belief that taking his mother on the hajj pilgrimage will ensure her place in heaven, symbolizing his deep love and dedication to her. The film uses this concept to convey a broader message about the importance of compassion, respect, and the fulfillment of one's duties toward their parents, which are values deeply rooted in both Islamic teachings and Kyrgyz cultural traditions. Paradise surely lies beneath a mother’s feet, reminding us that the greatest blessings come from honoring and caring for our mothers.
REVIEW: B-
(This review contains spoilers.)
“If I take my mother on foot, she will be in Paradise.”
Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet is an emotionally charged and symbolic film that offers a blend of personal sacrifice, faith, and devotion. Directed by Ruslan Akun, the film delves into the story of a 35 year old man named Adil, whose cognitive abilities are that of an 8 year old, and his 75 year old mother, Raikhan. Adil's sincere devotion to his mother drives him to embark on a remarkable and physically taxing journey to take her to Mecca for hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage.
This mother-son bond is at the heart of the film, highlighting themes of love, protection, and a yearning for religious salvation. Raikhan tries to shield Adil from societal mockery by telling him that he is one of God's favored beings, destined for heaven. Upon learning that a mother whose son takes her on the hajj pilgrimage is guaranteed a place in paradise, Adil resolves to make the journey, wanting his mother to join him in heaven.
The film is set against the backdrop of a long and perilous trek, where Adil pulls his elderly mother on a cart through several countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Throughout their pilgrimage, they receive help from kind strangers, capturing the film’s message of universal goodwill, selflessness, and humanity. The director, Ruslan Akun, emphasizes that the central aim of the movie is to inspire compassion and encourage good deeds.
The film also resonates strongly within the context of Kyrgyzstan’s increasing embrace of Islam. This is reflective of the growing influence of Islam in Kyrgyz society, as evidenced by the exponential rise in the number of mosques in the country since gaining independence from the Soviet Union.
Adil is motivated by the belief that taking his mother on the hajj pilgrimage will ensure her place in heaven, symbolizing his deep love and dedication to her. The film uses this concept to convey a broader message about the importance of compassion, respect, and the fulfillment of one's duties toward their parents, which are values deeply rooted in both Islamic teachings and Kyrgyz cultural traditions. Paradise surely lies beneath a mother’s feet, reminding us that the greatest blessings come from honoring and caring for our mothers.
REVIEW: B-
