River Dreams
Feature Film
24 FPS (Kazakhstan),
Mira Film (Switzerland),
Sylph Productions (UK)
RIVER DREAMS
98 min | Colour | Kazakh, Russian (Eng. subs)
Released 2026
RIVER DREAMS is the first Kazakh documentary to be screened at the Berlinale – directed by female filmmaker Kristina Mikhailova (debut).
Using the river as a living metaphor for women’s inner worlds, River Dreams explores endurance, memory, healing and resistance. Set against deep- rooted gender conservatism, the film opens space for conversations on toxic masculinity and domestic abuse, while celebrating sisterhood, solidarity and the quiet power of the female spirit.
Cast & Crew Members
Dir./Scr.: Kristina Mikhailova Prod.: Dana Sabitova
Co-prod: Vadim Jendreyko and Nadira Murray
Cast: With Alexandra Cherezova, Dana Ageleuova, Mira Ungarova, Aiya Kuzenbayeva, Juliya Jenis DOP: Amir Zarubekov
Editor: Arya Rothe Sound: Alexandr Khimich Colour: Emre Kocazorbaz
More Films
STuK
SHORT FILM – 2019
DIRECTED BY NADIRA MURRAY
RUNNING IN FESTIVALS
THE CHECKPOST
FEATURE FILM – 2018
DIRECTOR: HASSAN NAZER
CREATIVE PRODUCER ON SET
LOCKED IN
SHORT FILM – 2017
DIRECTED BY NADIRA MURRAY
ON AMAZON PRIME
FRACTURE
SHORT FILM – 2022
DIRECTED BY JON K. JONES
RUNNING IN FESTIVALS