Ayka Poster

Ayka 2018

★ 6.967 votes100 min📅 2018-02-14

Ayka (2018) is a raw and unflinching drama from Kazakh filmmaker Sergei Dvortsevoy that thrusts viewers into the harsh realities of a young Kyrgyz woman navigating survival in the unforgiving streets of Moscow.

Director: Sergei Dvortsevoy

Cast

Samal Yeslyamova
Samal Yeslyamova
Ayka
Dzhipargul Abdilova
Chinara
David Alaverdyan
David Alaverdyan
Hamlet
Cholponay Borubaeva
Cholponay Borubaeva
Fatima
Nurzhan Kunnazarova
Roza
Sergey Mazur
Sergey Mazur
veterinarian
Azamat Satimbaev
creditor
Askhat Kuchencherekov
Askhat Kuchencherekov
Hussein
Larisa Firsova
Larisa Firsova
woman with dachshund
Polina Severnaya
Polina Severnaya
administrator in vet clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ayka (2018) about?

Ayka follows a young Kyrgyz immigrant who abandons her newborn in a Moscow hospital and flees, only to find herself trapped in a cycle of exhausting labor and emotional turmoil. Desperation forces her to confront the consequences of her actions as she navigates the city's harsh underbelly.

Who directed Ayka?

Ayka was directed by Sergei Dvortsevoy, a celebrated Kazakh filmmaker known for his intimate and socially conscious storytelling.

Who stars in Ayka?

The film stars Samal Yeslyamova in the lead role, alongside Dzhipargul Abdilova, David Alaverdyan, Cholponay Borubaeva, and Nurzhan Kunnazarova.

Is Ayka (2018) worth watching?

Ayka (2018) is a gripping drama that offers a visceral look at human resilience and moral dilemma. While not for the faint of heart, its unvarnished portrayal and powerful performances make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven cinema.

How long is Ayka?

Ayka has a runtime of 100 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Ayka (2018) — A Mother's Desperate Fight for Survival in Moscow

Ayka (2018) is a raw and unflinching drama from Kazakh filmmaker Sergei Dvortsevoy that thrusts viewers into the harsh realities of a young Kyrgyz woman navigating survival in the unforgiving streets of Moscow. After secretly abandoning her newborn—an act driven by desperation—Ayla (Samal Yeslyamova) flees the hospital, leaving behind any trace of maternal instinct in pursuit of work. As she struggles through grueling shifts in factories and precarious jobs, her journey becomes a haunting exploration of guilt, resilience, and the blurred lines between survival and self-destruction.

Dvortsevoy crafts a visually stark and emotionally gripping portrait of urban alienation, where Ayka's silent suffering speaks volumes. The film's atmosphere is charged with tension, echoing the pressures of economic hardship and the emotional toll of a life lived on the margins. With a gripping performance from Yeslyamova at its core, Ayka (2018) stands as a poignant testament to human endurance amid crushing adversity.