Atirkül in the Land of Real Men

Buzkashi has been a popular sport in Central Asia for centuries. It is played only by men, who battle it out against one another on horseback. We see players galloping across vast plains, against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains and blue skies, and leaping on each other like rugby players to get hold of a goat carcass and take it across the goal line. The sound of whinnying horses is intensified by exhilarating drum rhythms.

But the subject of this understated film is neither the horses nor the men. Instead, it is an enterprising woman named Atirkül. After getting bored with her husband being away from home all the time, she decided to get involved in horse trading.

This businesswoman also acts as an astute and exacting adviser to the sometimes inexperienced Buzkashi players. Like a true coach, she directs, finances and feeds the young men. But when we hear some of the young men under her wing talking about their plans for the future, we realize there are limits to her influence.