Wed 25 March 2026
Q&A with director Leigh Iacobucci and activist Zere Asylbek
Following the screening, Jesse Evers will speak with director Leigh Iacobucci 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.
This programme is supported by Fonds 1818.
A Free Daughter of Free Kyrgyzstan
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...
Speakers
Leigh Iacobucci
director
Zere Asylbek kyzy
activist
Jesse Evers
moderator