Bauryna Salu/ Dir. Askhat Kuchinchirekov/ (Kazakhstan, 2023)/ 113mins/ Film subtitled/ 12A

According to the ancient nomadic tradition of “bauryna salu”, Yersultan is given away as a baby to be raised by his grandmother, growing up largely disconnected from his birth parents. When his grandmother dies unexpectedly as he turns 12, Yersultan is forced to return to a family he barely knows. Struggling to build a relationship with his parents - especially his father - while navigating the turbulence of adolescence, he finds himself caught between duty, grief and the search for belonging.

Supported by Chalk Cliff Trust and Enjoolata Foundation.

About SAMA

15–19 June 2026. The inaugural SAMA Brighton Film Festival is an international platform championing freedom of expression and showcasing displaced, diasporic and underrepresented filmmakers. Across five nights of features, documentaries and short films - alongside discussions, music and community events - the festival takes place across venues in Brighton and Lewes.

brighton.samaiff.com