(Sergei Dvorstevoy, Kazakhstan/Russia 2008, 100 min., Kazakh/subtitles)

Discharged from Russia’s Navy, young Asa returns to his nomadic community in Southern Kazakhstan. Obliged to be married, Asa sets his sights on the unobtainable Tulpan, who rejects Asa because of his big ears. Not one to be deterred from his goals, Asa, with the help of his eccentric pal Boni, sets out to prove he is a worthy suitor. One of the best-reviewed films of the year, this heartwarming charmer will make you laugh and open up a part of the world that you probably have never seen before on film. “In every respect, this unclassifiable movie is an amazing accomplishment”—J. Hoberman, The Village Voice.