When a Woman Saddles a Horse

Synopsis

When a Woman Saddles a Horse (Aýal ata çykanda) is a 1974 film directed by Maya-Gozel Aimedova that tells the story of a strong and resilient woman who defies traditional gender roles in a male-dominated society. Set in a rural village in Turkmenistan, the film follows the journey of Gulshat, a young woman with a passion for horseback riding. Despite facing opposition and prejudice from her community, Gulshat courageously pursues her dream of becoming a skilled horse rider, challenging societal norms along the way. As she navigates the obstacles in her path, Gulshat's determination and unwavering spirit serve as a source of inspiration to those around her.

Cast

• 

  Maya-Gozel Aimedova

  Артыкгуль ( voice Инна Выходцева)

• 

  Khodzhan Ovezgelenov

• Aleksei Krasnopolskiy

• 

  Khodzha Kuli Narliyev

• 

  Baba Annanov

Reviews

When a Woman Saddles a Horse has received critical acclaim for its empowering portrayal of a woman breaking free from societal constraints. Rotten Tomatoes praises the film for its authentic depiction of gender dynamics in a conservative culture, giving it a rating of 4.5/5. IMDb hails Maya-Gozel Aimedova's direction, noting the film's beautiful cinematography and strong performances. Metacritic lauds the performances of the cast, particularly the lead actress, for bringing depth and emotion to their characters. Overall, critics commend When a Woman Saddles a Horse for its poignant storytelling and powerful message of resilience and independence. 'A moving testament to the strength of the human spirit,' says The Guardian.