Svet-Ake by Aktan Arym Kubat

Much to my shame, I had no idea who Aktan Arym Kubat was before seeing Svet-Ake (The Light Thief). His native country, Kyrgyzstan, might not be well-known but this director has definitely brought a nice surprise with his latest film.

Svet-Ake is the story of a man who provides light for his village, both technically and spiritually. The audience at the Theatre Stephanie was charmed by this touching figure who reminds one of Jean Renoir’s characters: human, well-intentioned to the point of being naive (as his wife notices), always confident in people’s good nature and willing to help. All of these characteristics are qualities as much as they are imperfections, because confiding equally in everyone doesn’t necessarily mean they reciprocate.

Films from such countries as Kyrgyzstan tend to attract an audience interested in something “exotic”. It’s not really the case here, because the social, economic and political situation of the country acts merely as a background to this fully fictional story. Mr Light is the central element in this portrait of kindness and never-ending faith in the good outcome of things. His optimism gradually becomes contagious, reaching the viewer as raw emotion without being melodramatic or pathetic. A film made with humour and honesty, Svet-Ake simply can’t be overlooked.

By Mirona Nicola