The Worship of Fire
(Poklonis ognyu)

In the 1930s, collectivization is in full swing in the Fergana basin. The kulaks try to put one of them as head of the kolkhoz but Ali suggests that they elect a woman, Urkuia Salieva, a young peasant and mother who symbolizes change. The rich people of the village are convinced a woman cannot play such a major role. But the building of an irrigation dam which transforms the village helps Urkuia. The kulaks decide to confront her. Their leader Adji-aka is a wise man who believes first and foremost in the power of tradition. Yet one night, a group of men break into Urkuia’s house and slaughter her and her husband.