Kadyrzhan Kydyraliyev

A village boy awaits his father's return from the front. Though he doesn't yet know the alphabet, he begins composing letters and enrolls in school early to learn to write. He believes the Moon Witch — a figure from a fairytale — is behind all the misfortunes of war. In his dreams, he battles her on the moon as she casts black letters — death notices — down to Earth...

A large village high in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan has become almost deserted. Not only the three old men who are protecting the empty houses, but also the young guy, a demobilized soldier, aches for him. And why don’t people return to such wonderful places where life is cleaner and healthier than in cities?..

Sagyn returned to his homeland, got a job, fell in love, and received this advice from his family: “The most important thing is to stay on good terms with Almaz. Those who have a good relationship with him will thrive. But if he gets offended, you’d better run. He’s used to everyone respecting him and always agreeing with him. If he asks for something, don’t even think about refusing.” And then one day, Sagyn witnesses a crime...