Beyond Samarkand
Samarkand – Like no other city along the legendary silk road does it symbolize the magic of the orient. This desert city is the destiny for pilgrims from all over Uzbekistan. Amongst them are also Kodir Bekmurodow and his daughter Zümbüla. She ist the youngest of seven children and shall soon be married. But the 17 year old has her own ideas of marriage and is secretly in love with a young horse rider.
This documentary is told through her eyes, tells of her dreams and longings and follows Zümbüla through everyday life. This life is dominated by the upcoming Buzkashi Horseriding games, by a strict separation between men and women and by a mysterious belief in shamanism. Her 73 year old father will take her on a pilgrimage to Samarkand fulfilling his lifelong dream of seeing the ancient city. Zümbüla should also see this legendary place along the silkroad before she will soon get married.