In Conversation with Farkhat Sharipov, Director of Evacuation

Shot in classic black-and-white cinematography, the film shuns the fast-paced montage and sentimental scores prevalent in modern war dramas, crafting an atmosphere that balances documentary authenticity and emotional resonance while amplifying the raw realism of the narrative. Rather than depicting spectacular frontline combat, it chronicles the involuntary displacement of ordinary people living under the shadow of war — a world filled with uncertainty, quiet everyday suffering, and faint glimmers of hope.

Farkhat Sharipov

Acclaimed Kazakh Director

Filmography

1、18 Kilohertz 

Winner of the Grand Prix for Best Film, Warsaw International Film Festival

2、Skhema

Recipient of the Crystal Bear – Generation 14plus, Berlin International Film Festival(Note: Crystal Bear is the official name for the top prize of Berlin's Generation youth section)

3、Evacuation

Special Jury Prize, Moscow International Film Festival

Best Director, Golden Romduol Awards, Main Competition Section, Cambodia Asian Film Festival

Q1:

Congratulations on winning the Best Director Award under the “Golden Romduol Award” in the Main Competition Section of the 3rd Cambodia Asian Film Festival. Director Farkhat Sharipov, how did you feel the moment you learned about this award?

Farkhat Sharipov:

“Naturally, I was filled with great joy upon hearing the news. Every form of recognition is incredibly precious. The encouragement it brings grants creators the resolve and confidence to forge ahead and embrace challenges. What matters more to me, however, is that this work has gained wider exposure and can reach more audiences. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers once again. I have never set foot in Cambodia before, so it is indescribably joyful and honorable to present this heartfelt work to local audiences here.”

Award Photo of Evacuation

Q2:

As both director and screenwriter of Evacuation, what inspired you to create this anti-war feature? Combined with the current global landscape, what reflections do you wish to convey to audiences?

Farkhat Sharipov:

“This project has been filled with unknown challenges from start to finish. I began drafting relevant concepts back in 2018. When the production company reached out to me, I agreed almost immediately. I had never directed a large-scale historical film before, and this represented a brand-new breakthrough in my career. It was not that I had long dreamed of making a World War II picture; this was essentially a commissioned work, and the story grew from that starting point.

On-set production photo of Evacuation

Regrettably, funding dried up abruptly in 2019, forcing a full halt to production. Left with no other choice, I raised personal funds to keep the project alive. Filming proceeded in fragmented bursts thereafter: only when we scraped together enough money could we reassemble the crew and resume shooting, piecing together the film bit by bit.

Looking back, the greatest hurdle was never the lack of funding. For a long time, I struggled to pinpoint the core stance of the film — what exactly should it focus on, and what message ought it deliver? During this prolonged creative struggle, shifts in the global geopolitical landscape and ups and downs in my personal life reshaped my perspectives profoundly, which in turn redefined the heart of the story. It was not until the winter of 2025 that I finally found clarity, uncovered the true soul of this film, and completed production in full.

On-set production photo of Evacuation

Today, I frequently witness leaders deliberately glorify and sensationalize conflicts. Across all media platforms, narratives that fuel division and widen rifts run rampant. Such discourse trivializes individual suffering while elevating self-proclaimed “noble causes” above all questioning. As chaos that ought to be avoided at all costs grows normalized in today's world, I watch on with profound confusion and powerlessness.

This sense of helplessness amid global developments once filled me with overwhelming dread. This film is my cry against war: war is never a symbol of glory. It only brings endless grief, irreversible loss and searing suffering. Countless innocent people endure torment and lose their lives because of armed conflict. I hope this work reminds every viewer that the word “war” carries terrible, crushing weight and must never be spoken lightly.

Even so, I remain convinced that humanity possesses the courage and strength to stand against evil and refuse darkness from settling in our hearts — just as the characters in my story demonstrate. These ideas may not be groundbreaking, yet they carry profound real-world significance amid today's global climate.”

Q3:

How did you settle on the overall visual style of Evacuation? Why did you opt for black-and-white imagery and a square aspect ratio? Please share your creative thinking process.

Farkhat Sharipov:

“I wanted the film to carry the documentary texture of wartime newsreels, immersing audiences completely and convincing them every frame unfolds from real history. Driven by this vision, I aligned with my director of photography and production designer in the early development phase to lock in this aesthetic direction.

Budget limitations further made this choice pragmatic. Black-and-white footage neatly masks imperfections in set texture and color grading, while the tighter square frame cuts costs for crowd scene coordination, allowing our limited funds to be concentrated on core creative elements.

Still of Evacuation

As production advanced, we realized this initially compromise-driven choice held profound symbolic meaning. Monochrome tones and the confined square frame perfectly mirror the oppression and confinement of wartime, capturing the unique atmosphere of that era. This became our most compelling, definitive reason to commit fully to this visual language.

The screenplay draws its foundation from authentic letters and diaries written by survivors, whose sincere, weighty words form the soul of the narrative. The protagonist blends traits of several beloved people from my life — dear friends who gave me hope and affection. Deep gratitude and bond with them naturally permeate every layer of the character.”

Q4:

This film may present certain cultural barriers for some international viewers. Could you summarize the core message you hope they take away from this story?

Farkhat Sharipov: “Nothing should ever be bought with children's tears or mothers' agony — no cause is worth that price.”

Still of Evacuation

Q5:

The film is set in Almaty, a multi-ethnic city. How does this backdrop echo the central theme of evacuation? Does it imply a shared fate among diverse ethnic groups caught amid conflict?

Farkhat Sharipov:

“Absolutely, that is precisely the intent. This history belongs not only to my hometown but to countless ethnic groups and humanity as a whole. It is too vital to be forgotten, and we must always keep it in our collective memory. Worth noting, the entire film was shot on location in Almaty.”

Notes

Evacuation delivers a distinctive anti-war narrative, shifting focus to displaced populations far from frontline battlefields. It depicts the chaos of mass transit at train stations, the perpetual anxiety of civilians living under war's shadow, and lives crushed by armed conflict, restoring a more human, ordinary perspective of history. This authentic portrayal of individual fates amid wartime hardship also lets audiences grasp the immeasurable value of peace.

Black-and-white footage bears witness, and cinema acts as a bridge. With restrained cinematography, Evacuation delivers a powerful anti-war statement. Film is more than artistic expression; it stands as a tribute to history and a plea for peace. On the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, we are grateful for works like this one, which transform the abstract wartime atrocities written in textbooks into tangible, personal human tragedies.