The Song of the Tree is Kyrgyzstan’s very first musical film. It is based on a legendary but true event that took place in the 18th century in the Tien Shan Mountains. In Tien Shan, the ancient ways of culture and tradition are still being observed. Bazarbai marries his oldest daughter off to a wealthy man. Bazarbai’s youngest daughter Begimai is in love with Esen, the youngest son of the widow Dariika. When Bazarbai orders that the sacred tree in the village be cut down, a new era of discord and chaos begins. Begimai and Esen, who try to leave their hometown together, must face a cruel fate. In the meanwhile, Esen meets a hunter who has a decisive effect on the direction of his fate. Mother nature, as depicted in this film, embraces man but cruelly punishes those who do not obey the laws of nature. The film is a wonderful way to experience the charm of “the miracle of Kyrgyzstan.” (Hong Sangwoo)
Aibek DAIYRBEKOV
Born in 1979, Daiyrbekov graduated in Television Journalism at Kyrgyz National University and studied film directing at the Cinematography Development Foundation of Kyrgyzstan in 2008. He wrote and directed several short films including Tree (2008), Three in the Rain (2011) and Boat (2016). The Song of the Tree (2018) is his feature debut.