Sometimes it emerges in brief, vivid flashes at international and regional festivals; occasionally, it reaches the big screen—or even returns to theaters—and, increasingly of late, it surfaces in the recommendations of film critics and streaming platforms. Yet, far more often, it remains unnoticed—not only beyond the borders of Central Asia but even within the region itself. And this is despite the fact that films produced in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan offer a unique perspective and a distinct context—one that bears no resemblance to European, Russian, or any other cinematic tradition. The goal of this book is to introduce readers to the filmmakers who possess this unique vision, and, in doing so, to offer a glimpse of Central Asia through their eyes.