It is unimaginable to think about marrying a person without first getting to know them through dating. In our contemporary idea of dating and marriage, a person may even approach their partner’s family to ask for their blessing before asking someone to marry them.
When discussing marriage without first knowing one’s partner, the first cultural practice that comes to mind is arranged marriages. In Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asia country that was formerly part of the USSR until its independence in 1991, there is a cultural practice of Ala-Kachuu which is translated into English as grab and run. This is the practice of kidnapping a potential bride, a practice that was outlawed in the mid-1990s and legislation has since increased the penalty for this practice. With that said, this practice continues illegally in Kyrgyzstan for approximately half of the marriages.
The documentary explores this cultural custom through interviews with young people and older individuals, along with scenes from schools where Kyrgyz traditions continue. While this practice is currently outlawed, it is clear from the conversations with the older generation that in many cases the men and women knew each other prior to the kidnapping and this was portrayed as just a typical part of the marriage process.
The young people highlighted in the film demonstrate a sharp contrast between how young men view this practice – excited to kidnap their future wives – and how young women view this practice– discussing a desire to complete their education before getting married, and expressing a desire to “date” their future husband, while still understanding that Ala-Kachuu was part of their culture. Through these interviews, a complex picture of bridal kidnapping begins to appear.
It is not until the epilogue that the clear violence and traumatic impact of this practice are presented. Viewers are introduced to a new husband and wife discussing their perspectives on the process. It is clear the woman experienced trauma related to this event. After this introduction to the couple, actual footage of the bride's kidnapping is presented and reflects the true reality of this practice as the woman cries and pleads to be freed.
Regardless, of how this film will be utilized, it is important to inform the audience of this actual footage before viewing. It is truly disturbing and ensures the true nature and impact of this practice is understood.
This film is an exceptional examination of the practice of bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan. For those unfamiliar with Kyrgyzstan, a brief introduction to the country and its history will be helpful in understanding the context of this practice. The available Study Guide offers some excellent sources to provide the necessary context. This film is a highly recommended purchase for any film collection especially those in academic libraries supporting women and gender studies, sociology, international studies, Central Asia studies, and legal studies programs. Highly Recommended. Aud: H, C, P.
Discover more titles for your film collection in our list of gender movies.
After the Kyrgyzstan Independence in 1991, the ancient practice of Ala-Kachuu (“grab and run”) returned. Some women escape the men that kidnap them, but many remain married because of tradition and the fear of scandal.
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FESTIVALS & AWARDS
- Best International Documentary – Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival (DocLA)
- Best film "A Different Tomorrow" – Reykjavik Film Festival
- Best International Film Award – Festival of Ethnological Film (Belgrade)
- Saratov Region Governor's Award "Harmony Saratov" – Saratovskie Stradania Doc Film festival
- Critics Award for Best Film – Festival de Cine de Madrid FCM-PNR
- Best film on Gender Equality – Cine Invisible "Film Sozialak"
- Special Mention at MARFICI – Festival de Cine Independiente del Mar de Plata
- Special Mention Feature Documentary – Evolution Film Festival
- Best Documentary film on Women’s Rights “Biznaga Award” – Festival de Málaga
- Best Ethnographic Film Award – Espiello International Film Festival
THE FILMMAKER
Roser Corella (Barcelona, 1978) is an independent filmmaker, currently based in Berlin. Roser began her career as video-journalist for Catalan TV, but her interest in human stories on global issues moved her to start produce and develop her personal vision in the medium of documentaries. Her work has been shown worldwide winning awards such as POYI (Picture of the Year International, U.S.) and the CANAL+ France Award at the Women’s Film Festival of Créteil. Her fascination with the documentary genre has led her to travel the world in to witness, challenge, raise critical questions and search for stories that deserve to be told about contemporary societies.
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GRAB AND RUN
Catalog # EPF16024; ISBN: 978-1-933724-64-5; UPC: 6-82086-16024-5; NTSC
85 Minutes ● Copyright 2017 ● Kazakh, English Subtitles
Click here to buy DVD: $29.95
Click here to buy DVD w/ Public Performance Rights: $250
Click here to buy DSL and DVD w/ Public Performance Rights: $375
For purchase orders, to book screenings and for other inquiries, please contact:
Larry Rattner - larry@epfmedia.com