DOXA Documentary Film Festival,
May 2-12, 2019

The canadian Film festival presents a documentary film from Kyrgyzstan.

 

Each September, Bolot Tagaev and his family practice a centuries old tradition, harvesting walnuts  in one of the oldest walnut forests in Kyrgyzstan. Over the course of a single season, director Zaheed Mawani gracefully captures delicate sequences such as a child interacting with a snake, or sacks of walnuts being laid gently across an attic bed. Stories attached to the forest are told and retold over the fire at night, adding a mythic dimension.

As the narrative subtly charts the family’s way of life, their financial struggles, domestic chores, and conversations reveal a profound, and yet, wonderful isolation. Dialogue is sparse but poignant, reflecting upon their relationships, as well their connection with nature and faith. The film deliberately highlights the extraordinary landscape, providing a stark contrast to the modernity of the exterior world. A patient and meditative documentary, Harvest Moon illuminates a traditional livelihood which somehow persists, despite the ever-changing society outside.

Zaheed Mawani: the filmmaker

Zaheed Mawani received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Middlebury College. He subsequently worked in public policy research in Washington, DC before moving to Toronto to seek a career in documentary film. He recently completed an MFA in film production at York University, and his documentary, Harvest Moon, was selected at Cinéma du Réel IDFF.

See the trailer HERE.

Visit the DOXA film festival webiste.