Aman Sherikul: Film "Psycho" Showed What Girls Fear to Talk About
Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A new Kyrgyz film titled
The Kyrgyz film "Psycho" is making waves for its unflinching portrayal of a deeply disturbing societal issue: the stalking and obsession of young women by men. Actor Aman Sherikul, who plays the lead role, spoke with cast24.kg about the film's importance and the challenges of bringing such a dark character to life.
This film is not for profit. It should stop at least someone.
Sherikul emphasized that "Psycho" is not a commercial venture but a necessary piece of cinema designed to provoke thought and potentially deter harmful behavior. He highlighted the film's relevance in Kyrgyzstan, where societal issues like harassment and obsession are unfortunately common. The actor believes audiences are tired of superficial films and crave stories with substance and a moral compass.
Now there is a real stream of premieres in Kyrgyz cinema. Why, in your opinion, do films like "Psycho" find their audience?
"Psycho" aims to shed light on the terrifying reality of persistent, unwanted attention and its potential escalation into violence. Sherikul hopes the film will resonate with both men, encouraging them to respect a woman's 'no,' and with women, urging them to be more cautious and prioritize their safety. The overwhelming response from female viewers, sharing their own experiences of being stalked and feeling unsafe, confirms the film's critical message.
Because not just ideas, but relevant problems should be at the core. Society is now reacting very sharply to topics that are really happening around us. And the topic of violence against girls, obsessive pursuit, painful obsession - it is, unfortunately, not fictional.
This film serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of such issues and the importance of open dialogue. By bringing these uncomfortable truths to the screen, the creators of "Psycho" hope to foster a safer environment and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. The actor's commitment to returning to sports and family life after embodying such a dark character underscores the psychological toll of exploring these difficult themes.
I think the audience is tired of empty films that leave nothing behind.
Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.