Kyrgyzstan - tussen wanhoop en welvaart

Documentary about reforms in the CIS state of Kyrgyzstan. One of the fifteen republics that declared its independence from Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan has advanced a long way in reforming the bankrupt plan economy, despite its isolated location and lack of raw materials. Yet the standard of living is still dropping and communist sentiments are reappearing. The documentary follows the reforms with pictures of the reconstruction of a secret torpedo factory. The viewer also sees the dismantling of the kolchoz (state farms) and the start of denationalisation. Finally, President Akaev expains his shock therap. His policy is a race against time, because it remains to be seen whether reforms can stay ahead of social unrest.