The film opens with the 2020 women’s protest.
At the 30th Busan International Film Festival, the Kyrgyz-language film Kurak was awarded the inaugural Bangladesh July Memorial Prize.
The award was presented to the film’s co-director, Erke Dzhumakmatova, by Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki during the festival’s closing ceremony.
The prize, introduced this year by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Culture, commemorates the July 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh.
It is given under the festival’s Vision programme and recognises films addressing themes such as social justice, freedom of expression, civil rights, and struggles against inequality.
The Bangladesh July Memorial Prize, valued at 100,000 South Korean won, honours works that reflect and amplify these ideals.
Kurak, directed by Erke Dzhumakmatova and the late Emil Atageldiev, also won another award at the festival.
The film opens with the 2020 women’s protest in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where female demonstrators faced attacks by men and arrests by police.
From there, it delves into the lives of two young women, Mirim, a secret webcam model, and Nargiza, who has recently fallen in love.
Their personal narratives intertwine with women’s rights protests, performance art exhibitions, and archival footage of activism.
The film’s title, Kurak, meaning “patchwork” in Kyrgyz, reflects how diverse female voices unite into a collective cry for justice.
The layered storytelling sharply portrays ongoing struggles against oppression, blending art, activism, and personal identity into a cohesive narrative.
The week-long Busan International Film Festival began on September 19, 2025, in the South Korean city of Busan.
Awards were announced during the festival’s closing ceremony, which marked its 30th anniversary.
In a Facebook post, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki congratulated the winners, highlighting how Kurak embodied the spirit of Bangladesh’s July uprising.
He also noted that Indonesian film On Your Lap, directed by Reza Rahadian, won four awards, making it a standout of the night.
Other awards went to films from Korea, India, Iran, and Kazakhstan, showcasing diverse talent from across the region.
The Busan International Film Festival has long been a platform for recognising innovative storytelling and promoting cultural exchange.
By introducing the Bangladesh July Memorial Prize, the Ministry of Culture has added a significant dimension to this year’s event.
The prize not only highlights Bangladesh’s history of resistance but also promotes films that engage with critical global issues.
With its powerful portrayal of women’s struggles and resilience, Kurak stands as a poignant reflection of collective strength and activism.
This year’s festival celebrated 30 years of cinematic excellence while setting the stage for meaningful conversations through its new initiatives.
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