Sati

During the long years of Soviet power, the inhabitants of the village of Sati which is situated in the Alma-Ata District got used to the economic reorganizations. First they worked on a kolkhoz, then a sovkhoz. First they grew plants, later they produced meat and dairy products. These changes depended on the will of whoever was the next boss, not on local circumstances. The people of Sati had always been obedient and patient with respect to directions from the 'top'. However, the latest decision to stop all activities confused even them. This caused a riot because that would entail the deprivation of their right to live on their own land. A meeting was arranged with the leaders, but the dialogue did not work out. It was an unorganized protest, and even after inhabitants had expressed their disagreement, they still did not believe that this protest was successful. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)