Tucked away in the valleys of the former Soviet Republic of Kyrgyzstan are vast swaths of forest, home to some of the world's oldest walnut trees. Local legend has it that these woods are holy places, full of mystics, monks and incredible creatures. But over time, the plants, fruits and creatures have disappeared and today the forest is full of demons and ghosts. Through a mix of staged and observational setups, we enter the life of one walnut farming family that calls the area home. The old patriarch of the family still believes in the magic of the forest and passes his trade and family lore down to his children. Skilfully weaving fictional and documentary elements together in thoughtfully executed vignettes of daily life, the film's formalist structure creates a cinematic poem that invites us to witness a slowly disappearing way of life. Aisha Jamal
Co-presented with Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival.