Darkhan Tulegenov’s KINDIK receives an award in Busan
The Cord received the International Film Festival of India – Vision Asia Award at the 31st BIFF.
KINDIK, presented internationally as The Cord, received the International Film Festival of India – Vision Asia Award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. The Kazakh film is directed by Darkhan Tulegenov. BIFF ran from October 6 to 15, 2026.
A mother’s fight
The story follows a mother trying to protect her son after he is charged with a violent crime. Its family drama examines inequality and the limits of parental protection.
The jury’s verdict
The jury’s published commentary highlights the psychological atmosphere, central performance and moral compromises arising from fear and love.
Supported by India’s NFDC, the prize honours one Asian film in the Vision section. The recognition offers readers a reason to follow Tulegenov’s latest work and its international journey.
Why recognition in Busan matters
The Busan International Film Festival began in 1996 as South Korea’s first international film festival. Its inaugural edition presented 169 films from 31 countries. From the outset, BIFF sought to introduce Korean cinema to the international film community. Its screenings, Asian Contents & Film Market and Asian Project Market connect a public festival with a professional meeting place.
The first festival opened with Mike Leigh’s Secrets & Lies, while its Korean Panorama included Jang Sun-woo’s A Petal. These examples reflect two strands Busan brought together from the beginning: international auteur cinema and close attention to films from its own region.
Both the venue and the precise award matter in KINDIK’s story. The International Film Festival of India – Vision Asia Award singles out one Asian film in the Vision section. For Tulegenov’s work, it is specific recognition at a festival that brings Asian cinema to international audiences and film professionals.
Sources
BIFF — International Film Festival of India – Vision Asia Award
98mag — материал о фильме и награде, 15.10.2026
BIFF — inaugural edition, 1996
