The Kazakh film Happiness received its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February this year and won the Audience Award in the “Panorama” section. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Askar Uzabayev, this hard-hitting film depicts a family that has experienced domestic violence for several generations.
A beautiful 40-year-old woman (Laura Myrzakhmetova) examines the marks of a serious beating in a mirror at the hands of her husband (Yerbolat Alkozha). She knows that in the morning he will come to his senses, but also understands that her life will carry on as though nothing has ever happened.
Based on true events, Happiness tells the harrowing story of domestic violence in a small border town in Kazakhstan, Central Asia. A couple has been married for 23 years, during which time the wife has been constantly abused, both physically and emotionally by her alcoholic husband. In addition, their pregnant daughter is about to get married and will inevitably fall into the same marriage trap as her mother. The film raises the question as to whether there is any way out of this vicious circle, which inevitably results in tragic circumstances.
The film does not reveal to the audience anything personal about the characters of Happiness. They are just the Wife, Husband, Daughter, Groom, and Aunt. A lot of people will be able to relate to each character, regardless of location, environment, profession and class. Ironically, the film’s main character is a cosmetics company influencer who promotes a product line to clients and distributors, pitched as a surefire path to happiness, beauty and success. But is the belief that the ability to look beautiful, no matter what happens behind closed doors at home, really the sign of a woman’s true happiness?
Today, more than 80% of Kazakh women convicted of murder have committed the crime in self-defense against their abusive husbands or domestic partners. Each year 400 women die as a result of domestic violence in Kazakhstan. In addition, every month, there are approximately 120 rapes, 5,232 beatings, 14 murders, and 48 suicides. And these are just the reported cases.
Domestic violence is a universal problem facing women and children worldwide every day. The Happiness filmmakers stress that they are telling the story, not of a single family, but of a problem that women face daily, all over the world. They emphasize that in no way has their goal been to exaggerate the violence in the film in order to shock audiences and make them more sympathetic to the characters.
Bayan Maxatkyzy, one of the Kazakh producers upon whom the film is loosely based, is one of the biggest celebrities in Kazakhstan. In 2016, after 22 years of marriage, she became a victim of her then-husband’s violence when he inflicted numerous stab wounds on her body and face. After several months in the hospital, Bayan survived, while her ex-husband went to jail.
Terrifying in their cruelty, some scenes from the film are unforgettable and challenging to watch. Still, hopefully, such films can help to open a dialogue within a hypocritical and victimized society.