Below you'll find the highlights of my week's cinematic journey through Kazakhstan, with a few unexpected detours along the way. I found myself amidst illegal migrants in Moscow and among Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia, yet I still made it to Almaty and passed through some of Kazakhstan's remote villages. I've enjoyed this trip immensely and would love to visit this country someday. The movies were decent—not all were amazing, but Tulpan stood out with its unique atmosphere and unforgettable shots you won't find anywhere else. I still have a few more films on my list, so this trip might continue. We'll see. On with the movies! Ayka (2018) is a harrowing and raw portrayal of an illegal immigrant's desperate struggle to survive in the brutal winter of Moscow. The film's gritty realism and unflinching depiction of poverty and resilience may leave a lasting impact on the viewers. Racketeer (2007) takes you into the gritty underwo...