Twelve-year-old Jekshen, an exceptional runner, lives in a beautiful mountain village in Kyrgyzstan. His parents are divorced, and life with his alcoholic father is difficult. Lonely Jekshen only has his girlfriend from school and his father’s friends for support. They encourage him to take part in a big race—a race that could change his life for the better. 

"Abdykalykov’s portrait of childhood on the cusp of adolescence is marked by a generosity of spirit and a sharp understanding of human nature" Screen Daily

About the Director

Mirlan Abdykalykov is a Kyrgyz director, screenwriter and actor born in 1982 in Soviet Kyrgyzstan. His father, Aktan Abdykalokov, is an innovative Kyrgyz director and from childhood Mirlan has been starring in his father’s complex and lyrical films. He excelled as an actor, and his performances recognised on the award circuit. His directorial debut was Heavenly Nomadic (2015), about a family of nomads who live high in remote mountains. Lauded on the award circuit, it won a NIKA, the FEDEORA Award and the Silver Gateway Award at Mumbai Film Festival. Running to the Sky, his sophomore film, has been met with similar acclaim and won the coveted FIPRESCI award at Busan.