Controversial Film Sparks Nationwide Discussion about Sensitive Cultural Practice in Kazakhstan
In the heart of Central Asia, a striking tale unfolds in Kazakhstan, where the age-old custom of Bauryna Salu, a tradition of grandparents raising the firstborn child, has a profound impact on families. This cultural practice takes center stage in the celebrated film "Bauryna Salu," directed by Askhat Kuchinchirekov.
The story revolves around the character Yersultan, who, after years of living with his grandparents, finds himself an outsider upon returning to his biological parents. The emotional turmoil Yersultan experiences serves as a mirror for countless Kazakh citizens, touching on a raw nerve within the community.
At the core of this tradition, the child forms a deep bond with the grandparents, learning, loving, and growing under their guidance. However, this close relationship often leaves the child feeling disconnected from their biological parents. In some cases, years of emotional distance result in a feelings of abandonment or detachment.
One striking example can be seen when Yersultan confronts his father, overwhelmed by years of isolation and longing to be understood. On the other hand, the grandparents' passing signifies a challenging transition for the child, as they must adapt to a family they barely know.
The film, which has received numerous awards, including recognition from the San Sebastian International Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, sparked nationwide debates about the merits and drawbacks of this tradition. Some supporters champion the confidence and self-reliance instilled in children raised in this manner, while others argue that the emotional trauma and distance from biological parents outweigh these benefits.
Askhat Kuchinchirekov infused his own experiences into the film, sharing a sense of loneliness and emotional trauma that many firstborn children faced within this tradition. In his personal life, he maintains a distant relationship with his parents and speaks of the lingering effects of growing up in this tradition.
As the film continues to resonate across Kazakhstan, experts are weighing in on the psychological and social implications of the Bauryna Salu tradition. Karlygash Bizhigitova, an associate professor at the University of International Business, asserts that the tradition, although once relevant, has become increasingly detached from contemporary life and the emotional needs of children.
Today, many families still adhere to the tradition to alleviate financial burdens, but Bizhigitova questions the impact of this decision on the child's future well-being. A call for empathetic reflection, Bizhigitova encourages young parents to consider the long-lasting consequences of their choices for their children and to prioritize emotional bonding over tradition.
- The discussion around the Bauryna Salu tradition has expanded beyond the realm of culture, into the realms of business, lifestyle, and home-and-garden, as experts debate the merits of continuing this practice in modern times, considering its impact on a child's overall well-being and familial bonds.
- As the film "Bauryna Salu" sparks nationwide debates, it raises questions not just about Kazakh culture, but also about the choices modern families make, shedding light on how financial decisions can shape a child's lifestyle and emotional future, thereby influencing the home-and-garden and overall business dynamics of the family.
