Maimil (2001)

Director:

Aktan Abdykalykov

Writers:

Aktan Abdykalykov (writer)
Avtandil Adikulov (writer)

Release Date:

23 January 2002 (France)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Flirt | Boyfriend Girlfriend Relationship | Alcoholic | Third World | Friend

Awards:

3 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Mirlan Abdykalykov	...	The Chimp
Dzylykcy Dzakypov	...	The father
Sergej Golovkin	...	Sacha
Alexandra Mitrokhina	...	Zina
Yuriy Sokolov	...	Iouri
Salynbek Sarymsakov	...	Akbar
Alexei Manzinbine	...	Friend of the father
Tchynarkoul Moukacheva	...	Woman with the skin stain
Jyldyz Abakirova	...	Jyldyz
Veronika Semibratova	...	Vicki
Renata Tanabaeva	...	Renata
Nelli Soultangazieva	...	Nelli
Saida Mamyrbaeva	...	Saida
Nikolai Bouriak	...	Head worker
Ainagoul Essenkojeva	...	The Mother

Also Known As:

Le singe (France)
The Chimp (International: English title)

Runtime:

Argentina:92 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival) | France:98 min | USA:90 min

Country:

France | Kyrgyzstan | Japan

Language:

Kyrgyz | Russian

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Australia:M | France:U

Filming Locations:

Balyktchy, Kyrgyzstan

Company:

Beshkempir Films

Trivia:

In 2001, the film was chosen to represent Kyrgyzstan in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2002 Oscars, making it the second film to compete since Kyrgyz independence. The film competed against 50 other countries and was ultimately unable to make the Top Five.

Interesting kirghiz movie

Maimal is the story of a young Kirghiz who has to go to the army. But before, he would like to have his first sexual experience. The problem is that he looks like a monkey and is shy because of this. Sounds dull ? Maybe if it was an American movie. It would be something like American Pie. But in Kirghiztan, it leads to a touching fable about young Kirghizs. And it's a good way to talk about the problems of this former USSR Republic : alcohol, poverty and so on. Let's say this movie is clever, well acted, well directed and an interesting experience for every movie lovers. Ever seen a kirghiz movie ? Try this one.