Synopsis
"The cooperation of Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan helps Russia resist Western economic sanctions. Due to the country’s strategic location, all Chinese goods bound for Central Asia and Russia must cross its borders, and it serves as a transshipment point for goods from countries with which Putin is not officially allowed to trade. Investigative journalist Ali Toktakunov, a long-time staff member of Radio Free Europe’s Kyrgyz section, helped to uncover the deeper implications.
This was one of a series of cases that made Toktakunov an inconvenient figure to the corrupt regime. His wife Samara Sagynbaeva, the director of this film, was also in danger. Her diary-style documentary presents a portrait of a courageous journalist and a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and the justice system in a country where freedom of speech is definitely not a certainty."
This was one of a series of cases that made Toktakunov an inconvenient figure to the corrupt regime. His wife Samara Sagynbaeva, the director of this film, was also in danger. Her diary-style documentary presents a portrait of a courageous journalist and a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and the justice system in a country where freedom of speech is definitely not a certainty."
Articles
10. 10. 2025
Institute of Documentary Film Delegation at DOK Leipzig 2025
The Institute of Documentary Film proudly continues its strong collaboration with DOK Leipzig, returning this year with a diverse delegation of filmmakers and industry professionals from Central and Eastern Europe.
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11. 9. 2025
Panic Button, documentary co-produced by our new programme director Veronika Janatková, to premiere at Busan IFF
Our alum Panic Button, the debut feature by Samara Sagynbaeva, will have its international premiere at Busan IFF. The film participated in East Doc Platform 2024 and East Silver 2025, and is co-produced by our new programme director Veronika Janatková.
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10. 3. 2025
Films supported by the IDF in the One World Festival program
As every year, the One World International Human Rights Film Festival happening alongside the East Doc Platform presents multiple films that have passed through the activities within the IDF in the past. Below you will find an overview of the screenings.
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Gallery