Gulaim

Gulaim is the main character of the epic Forty Girls and a short film by Saodat Ismailova based on Gulaim’s monologue addressed to her father, Bai (lord) Allayar. In her speech the girl recollects her happy childhood full of freedom, luxury and care. She also recalls how Bai Allayar supported her in her desire to become a warrior. Gradually, the happy memories of the girl darken and she disagrees with her father’s decision to marry her to a man he chose for her. The video of the work is an offscreen text based on the girl’s narration, which presents metaphors and images from the epic and gradually forms into a specific visual language acting as a modern interpretation of the ancient oral tradition.