A New Feature Film “Arzyman” Dedicated to Magtymguly Pyragy

The fate and legacy of the great poet and thinker of the East, the founder of Turkmen classical literature Magtymguly Pyragy, have taken a lasting place in human hearts and continue to inspire artists to create new works of art.

In 2024, the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth was widely celebrated not only in Turkmenistan but also at the international level. Within the framework of the jubilee events, exhibitions, film premieres, and cultural activities were held in various parts of the world. Today it is clear that the anniversary year marked not the end, but a new stage of growing interest in the personality of the great thinker. The founder of the Mekanfilm studio, director and screenwriter Charyyar Seyidov, presents his own vision of the poet’s destiny in his new feature film “Arzyman”.

Currently, post-production work on the film is underway. According to the author, the film is not only a monumental work about a recognized classical poet, but also a moving journey into the childhood world of the future thinker and the origins of his formation. Viewers will see the future poet among village children, herding livestock in the highlands, and overcoming the first difficulties of childhood.

To create the film, Charyyar Seyidov first studied historical sources and archival materials, and then traveled to the Balkan region, to the legendary village of Gerkez — the birthplace of Magtymguly Pyragy.

Filming took place among the picturesque mountains of the Lesser Balkans, along the paths once walked by the great poet. To capture certain scenes, the director even entered caves where sunlight barely reaches. In that extraordinary silence, accompanied by the sound of dripping spring water, it became possible to show how a boy who perceives the world with childlike sincerity begins to compose his first lines destined to amaze the entire world.

— The title “Arzyman” means “desired” or “longed for”. It is also the name of our national musical instrument, which has become the soul of the film, — says Charyyar Seyidov.

According to the author’s vision, through music and visual imagery, the main character merges with his eternal words among the lofty mountains of Gerkez: “Magtymguly — the voice of the Turkmen language.” This voice echoes from the depths of centuries.

The film features People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Ovez Gelenov, Gulnabat Abdullayeva, Mekan Jumabayev, and other renowned performers. The role of young Magtymguly is played by schoolboy Denizhan Abdyrahmanov. The film is planned to be fully completed by June 27 — the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and the Day of Magtymguly Pyragy’s Poetry.