EP. 1668: Director Katya Mokolo & Writer Thomas Schmitt (BARTOGAY LAKE)

WILDsound: The Film Podcast · Jan 25, 2026

An old man crosses the boundless Kazakh steppe, driving alone. Haunted by memories of a lost love, he stops by Bartogay Lake, flowers in hand. But as he tries to step out, his car door refuses to open, trapping him between past and present.

https://www.instagram.com/kitsuney/

Answers from filmmaker Katya Mokolo:

What motivated you to make this film?

It was made from opportunity, I was in Kazakhstan for another project and seeing the country I couldn’t miss this chance.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Scattered 5 weeks

2 weeks for the…