Saodat Ismailova investigates the vivid history and culture of Uzbekistan in her films, videos and installations. Drawing from oral histories, ritual, folklore and cinematic traditions, Ismailova focuses her attention on the representation of women. Her Right and Her Five Lives, both 2020, blend historical footage with new soundtracks and incorporate elements of seldom-seen films from Central Asia.

Her Right addresses the Soviet-era policy of Hujum (attack), commenced in 1927 to enforce the unveiling of Uzbek women. Ostensibly a progressive policy, its real purpose was to eradicate Islamic customs and provide an untapped source of proletarian labour. This was an era of fear and violence, when women were caught between their religion, families and the state. For Her Five Lives, Ismailova researched archives and cinematic history to explore female archetypes in Uzbek cinema between the 1920s and 2000s, and how these paralleled political and social developments.

In both works, Ismailova emphasises female expressions of delight, love, confusion, betrayal, fear and joy. The strength and courage of the women in her films are compelling and convey the artist’s deep love for her country and its cultural heritage.