Audiences will once again be able to see the significant documentary film from the early 1970s
The documentary film "Naryn Diary," which has been restored in digital format, represents one of the key works of Kyrgyz documentary filmmaking from the 1970s. The film tells the story of the construction of the Toktogul HPP and the events leading up to the creation of this crucial hydroelectric facility in the country.
The director of the film is Algimantas Vidugiris, who is remembered not only as a director but also as the Builder of the Toktogul HPP No. 1. His role in this project was confirmed by an article in the newspaper "Pravda" under number 292 dated October 19, 1973, and by a builder's certificate.
The uniqueness of the film lies in the fact that the author was a direct participant in the events. This provides an insider's perspective on a large-scale process, giving the film a special documentary authenticity and unique tone.
The team, consisting of Algimantas Vidugiris, Bolot Tabaldiev, and Nikolai Ryshkov, made a rafting trip down the Naryn River on a homemade raft. Their route passed through areas that would later be submerged by the waters of the Toktogul Reservoir.
The film captures the everyday life of residents in the coastal villages, the work of shepherds, archaeologists, installers, and schoolchildren. This footage has become a chronicle of the last stage of the river's existence in its former state while simultaneously serving as a testament to the beginning of a new era in energy. The film is part of a dilogy about the construction of the hydroelectric station, which took over 15 years to complete.
Today, "Naryn Diary" is once again available to audiences in updated quality. The digital restoration helped preserve the original structure of the film and ensure access to this important historical document for contemporary viewers.
Years later, the film is perceived as a unique combination of personal experiences and artistic perspective. The story of the builders of the Toktogul HPP, the flagship of Kyrgyzstan's energy sector, remains a significant part of the cultural memory of the people.
For reference, the installed capacity of the Toktogul HPP is 1,440 megawatts, which allows it to provide nearly 60% of all electricity produced in Kyrgyzstan.
Photo www
