The closed premiere of 'Illegal. Through Mexico' is scheduled for March 17, and the film will be released to the public two days later, on March 19. This was announced by director Ruslan Akun at the press conference.
The main character of the film, Chingiz, embarks on a risky journey to fulfill his dream of moving to the United States. His route passes through several countries and includes one of the most dangerous paths of illegal migration — through Mexico.
During his journey, the character faces numerous challenges: he must hide from immigration authorities, confront criminal groups, and overcome harsh natural conditions.
The film combines elements of drama, action, and adventure. We wanted to show the true cost of illegal migration and the risks that people take in search of a better fate.
Ruslan Akun
The filming took place in jungles and other hard-to-reach locations in South America.
“The process of creating the film took place under extremely difficult conditions. The challenging natural landscapes and remote locations helped create an atmosphere of tension and added realism and scale to the film. It was not easy, as the entire team experienced the same trials as the illegal migrants,” shared the director.
The creators of the film emphasize that 'Illegal. Through Mexico' addresses important social issues — the pursuit of a better life, sacrifices for family, and human resilience in the face of adversity.
The cast includes Emil Esenaliev, Zhahan Utargaliyev, Aisanat Edigeeva, Raushan Akhmedov, and Abilaykhan Ainabekov.
An interesting feature of the project is the international collaboration: actors from different countries participated in the film, which, according to the creators, expands its geography and gives it a broader regional scale.
Ruslan Akun also announced that premieres are expected in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. The team is working to present the film in Georgia, Armenia, and South America.
As the director noted, the film's budget exceeded $700,000.
Ruslan Akun previously gained popularity with films such as 'Salam, New York' and 'Heaven Under the Feet of Mothers,' which were successful both in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.
