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Release date

Format

Shooting standard

Spring 2012

52 / 90’

HD

Prisoners of the Himalayas 

is a documentary film aimed at capturing the life of the last Kyrgyz nomads of Afghanistan. The film is raising awareness about a people going extinct through a captivating true story. It sheds light on a community unknown to the media, and puts into question the reasons for their extinction. 

Imprisoned between three borders, the story of how the Kyrgyz arrived on the roof of the world is just as fascinating as how they are trying to survive. Anthropologically, it is a rare insight into an undiscovered people. It shows a world that has never been seen before.  

Synopsis

On the roof of the world, a woman is worth a hundred sheep, but the salary of a shepherd is only one sheep per month. Women are scarce because most of them die at a young age during child birth. 

Abdul Wali is too poor to buy a woman for his son Nematullah. He has decided to sell his eldest daughter, Wulluq Bu, to raise enough money for the wedding. We follow the story of Nematullah and Wulluq Bu for a year, discovering the Kyrgyz community and the challenges they face. 

The Kyrgyz of the Afghan Pamir have experienced famine, exile, war and persecution. The only place where they have found security and peace is the hidden depths of Central Asia. Despite the hardships and extremely inhospitable terrain, these people have managed to survive and maintain their traditional way of life against all odds. Prisoners of the Himalayas is their story.

The movie is produced by Taimani Films.