It came from outer space and landed in an out house.
Earth’s atmosphere and sunlight wreaks havoc on this alien’s health so it seeks sanctuary and sustenance in a shit hole.
It’s harmless to humans and just wants to go home but its radio beam needs a particular type of metal to transmit.
This is the set up for SASYQ, a science fiction parable from Kazakhstan, a beautifully rendered film and a highlight of the Science Fiction Film Festival, a determinedly non-mainstream film fest, with features this year from North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Serbia and Ecuador; three documentary features; and, 29 shorts from 13 countries.
SASYQ starts with an unsuccessful suicide – who sterilises the blade they wish to slash themselves with? Nevertheless, the vagrant is determined to end it all and accomplishes to fail at every fall, drowning, hanging and attempt at self harm.
Saved from success by an extraterrestrial phenomenon, the vagabond has a close encounter of the third kind, setting in motion a tremendous tale of rescue and redemption.
This charming, hilarious and very moving riff on E.T with a passing reference to Babe, and a semblance to The Shape of Water, SASYQ is set to be the festival’s crowd pleaser.
Directed by Yerden Telemissov, SASYQ features an unlikely cohort determined to save the stranded alien pitted against a monstrous mayor and a flat earther law enforcement officer.
SASYQ is illustrative of the line up of films in the festival, of interest to audiences who may not otherwise find themselves drawn to the genre.
With a strong conviction to diversity, inclusion and progressive narratives in the selections, the 6th fest happens October 3-5 at EVENT George Street.
