FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SELECT START FILMS’ ‘NO EXPECTATIONS’ SEASON ONE FEATURES LEGENDARY DIRECTOR ERNEST ABDYJAPAROV

St. Louis, MO – September 26, 2022 – Select Start Films is thrilled to announce that the first season of ‘No Expectations’ prominently features Ernest Abdyjaparov, the most celebrated director in Kyrgyzstan. “Ernest Abdyjaparov is a cultural icon whose films have profoundly shaped Kyrgyz culture. His impact on the film industry here is immense, and we are honored to feature him in our series,” said Alexander Beasley, co-founder of Select Start Films.

Highlighting Kyrgyzstan’s Cultural Icons:

Ernest Abdyjaparov’s illustrious career began at Kyrgyzfilm Studios, where he quickly gained recognition for his innovative storytelling. His notable works include “Boz Salkyn” (Pure Coolness), which won the NETPAC award at the 2007 Asiatica Film Mediale for its originality and humor. This film, which explores the traditional custom of bride kidnapping, became a cultural phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan, with many newborn girls being named after the film’s main character​.

His recent film, “Sagynbai Manaschi,” tells the story of Sagynbai Orozbakov, a revered manaschi (epic storyteller). The film premiered in Bishkek and received a special mention at the First International Bishkek Film Festival, highlighting its cultural significance and its role in preserving Kyrgyzstan’s rich oral traditions​.