It was announced today that a new film dedicated to the life of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, titled “Arzyman”, is currently in the editing stage. The director and screenwriter, founder of Mekanfilm studio, Charyyar Seyidov, created the project to highlight not only the poet’s life story but also his childhood years.

Several films about Magtymguly have already been produced in Turkmenistan and abroad, especially following the poet’s 300th anniversary in 2024. What sets “Arzyman” apart from traditional biographical films is its focus on the poet’s early years and his first encounters with the world through a poetic lens. The story centers on a boy living in a rural village, his daily life, first challenges, and initial poetic awakenings.

Preparation for filming began with studying archival materials. The creative team then traveled to Gerkez, in the Balkan province of Turkmenistan, the birthplace of Magtymguly, where most of the filming took place. The region’s small mountains and natural landscapes played a major role in the film’s visual setting.

The title “Arzyman” means “dreamed of” and also refers to a traditional national musical piece that inspired the spirit of the film, Seyidov explained.

The cast includes Turkmenistan’s People’s Artist Ovez Gelenov, actors Gulnabat Abdullayeva, Mekan Jumabayev, and others. The young Magtymguly was portrayed by schoolboy Denizhan Abdrakhmanov.

Post-production is expected to be completed by June 27, coinciding with Turkmenistan’s Day of Culture and Arts and the celebration of Magtymguly Pyragy Poetry Day.