This is the first English-language handbook of the cinema of Central Asia, covering the key films from the Soviet era and independence.

The volume contains ca. 150 entries on individual films, as well as introductions to the film histories of the five republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Introductory chapters highlight the key moments of the cinematic development, film studios and festivals, and production histories for the five Central Asian republics. The entries are written by specialists on the film histories of the republics from US and UK, as well as the republics.