The recently released documentary film "The Rock" by Kyrgyz director Altynai Adamalieva tells the story of Zamira, a woman with three higher education degrees who left city life for work in the countryside. This seventeen-minute film explores Zamira's everyday life, who, despite her high level of education in programming, accounting, and law, chose the path of a livestock herder.
Zamira now herds yaks at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters, managing them while riding a horse. She not only herds but also cooks and repairs agricultural machinery. Despite the challenges faced by livestock herders, Zamira views them as part of her choice, striving to break stereotypes about the "uneducated" shepherd. She is unique in her profession, which is predominantly considered male.
In the documentary, the main character shares her impressions of horseback riding and the joy of "feeling the wind in her face." Livestock farming continues to be a vital part of life in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan and all of Central Asia, where 90% of the world's yak population is raised, providing income and a future for many people.
In 2026, the world will celebrate people like Zamira, as this year has been declared the International Year of Women Farmers and the International Year of Pasture Lands and Pastoralists. FAO will be the leading UN agency implementing these initiatives aimed at eliminating gender inequality in the agricultural sector and supporting the rights of rural women.
"Agrofilm" is an international film festival in Slovakia that aims to promote films and video programs dedicated to agriculture and rural development, informing the public about the latest achievements in these fields.
