Based on a legend handed down through generations, this first-ever folkloric musical from Kyrgystan is unlike anything out of Hollywood. Set in the 1800s, it tells the love story of Esen and Begimai. When Esen is expelled from the village, he tries to run away with the beautiful Begimai, the chief’s daughter. Esen’s mother goes to pray to an old tree, believing that the sacred quality of this holy site will bring a happy outcome — but when the village chief has the sacred tree cut down, there could be disastrous consequences. For ancient Turks, trees were a symbol of life, and old trees adorned with ribbons tied to its branches were venerated, believed to have special powers. This unexpectedly entertaining musical is a winning new genre for Kyrgyz cinema, showing the nomadic traditions and the history and customs of Kyrgyz people, who have powerful beliefs in superstition and their concepts of honor.