Watching The Fall of Otrar was without a doubt one of the most immersive film experiences I've had in a while. The historical era, centering around Genghis Khan's influence over east asian areas is completely filled with blood, tears and dirt. Ardak Amirkulov captures this brutality in a breathtakingly bold vision with only brief glimmers of hope. Every aspect from the score to the set design to the claustrophobic camera work intensifies the merciless atmosphere. A bleak, unique medieval film that deserves to be seen by many more people.

Uploaded the film to youtube: youtu.be/MvDTbOsxJ4M

Never have I experienced nature in a similar haunting way I did with Sleep Has Her House. It is the unknown that follows you until the end and emerges feelings beyond calming or anxious. A sublime, ambient masterpiece.

The Fifth Seal is a contemplative exploration of human suffering and changing in times of war. Depressive, philosophical, claustrophobic, existential are just a few words coming to my mind when rethinking this film. All those feelings are basically coming from one single question within the first act. After that, every single word gets yourself more and more involved in the moral dilemma. This is yet another beautifully crafted, overlooked masterpiece from eastern europe.