Wed 25 March 2026

Q&A with director Leigh Lacobucci and activist Zere Asylbek

Following the screening, Jesse Evers will speak with director Leigh Lacobucci and protagonist Zere Asylbek, a vocalist and bold advocate for gender equality from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Her 2018 debut single Kyz (“Girl”), a powerful call for respect towards women, sparked fierce backlash in heavily patriarchal Kyrgyzstan, including death threats. A conversation about art as resistance and the fight for women’s rights in Central Asia.

A Free Daughter of Free Kyrgyzstan

Leigh Iacobucci, 65 minutes
Activist Lens Dutch premiere
With her courageous, independent voice, young Kyrgyz singer Zere Asylbek sparks solidarity among women. But as freedom of speech and expression are suppressed and Zere faces more and more extreme accusations, the threats grow more menacing. Zere and her family increasingly worry: will she be able to face the mental pre...
Wed 25 Mar
20:00 - 21:35

Den Haag, PAARD

Not wheelchair accessible

Speakers

Leigh Iacobucci

director

Zere Asylbek kyzy

activist

Jesse Evers

moderator