Bauryna Salu

The Kazakh, and beyond, Central-Asian tradition of "bauyryna salu," which is the adoption of a firstborn grandchild or the eldest child of the younger sibling by (a) grandparent(s), is defined on a recent Kazakh website as something very valuable: "Adopting a sibling is an institutionally significant ritual in traditional circles that strengthens social ties not only between siblings, but also at the clan and community level. " Askhat Kuchinchirekov's film, based on the director's personal experience, shows what can be this practice for a child. Beautifully acted and shot, it transcends any anthropological "observation." Exclusively narrated and spoken in Kazakh, avoiding any "colonial" (Russian or other) point of view, the film has been nominated for an Oscar. It deserves it!