By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest
The film Kurmanjan Datka: Queen of the Mountains (original title: Kurmanjan Datka: Daglarin Sultani) is a 2014 historical drama directed by Kyrgyz filmmaker Sadik Sher-Niyaz. The movie tells the story of Kurmanjan Datka, a remarkable 19th-century Kyrgyz leader known for her diplomacy and leadership during her homeland's annexation by the Russian Empire.
Plot Overview
The film begins in 1816 in the Alay region, where a young Kurmanjan visits a fortune teller who prophesies that she will be worth more than ten sons. After an unsuccessful arranged marriage, she returns to her family and later marries local ruler Alymbek Datka. Following his assassination, Kurmanjan rises as the leader of the Alay Kyrgyz, earning the title Datka (equivalent to a general or governor). She demonstrates exceptional leadership in protecting her people and negotiating with Russian generals seeking to annex the region.
Production and Premiere
Kurmanjan Datka was the first full-length historical film produced in independent Kyrgyzstan at the initiative of the government. The movie premiered on August 22, 2014, at the Montreal World Film Festival. It was also selected as Kyrgyzstan’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards, though it did not receive a nomination.
Critical Reception
The film received positive reviews from critics.
- Los Angeles Times called it “a thrilling historical epic with breathtaking visuals.”
- Variety described it as “an inspiring story of a woman who defied tradition and became a leader of her people.”
Conclusion
Kurmanjan Datka: Queen of the Mountains is a significant contribution to Kyrgyz cinema, portraying the story of a strong woman whose leadership and wisdom left an indelible mark on Central Asian history. The film is available in high quality on various platforms, including YouTube (Watch here).
For those interested in Kyrgyz history and culture, this film is a powerful and inspiring experience.
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