The Legacy of Shatgul Uyghur in Uyghur Cinema



 

Mt Zunun


Shatgül Uyghur

 

شاتگۈل ئۇيغۇر

 

Shatgul Uyghur, the cherished luminary of Uyghur cinema, graced the world on March 3, 1960, in the vibrant city of Urumqi. From a tender age, her prodigious talent was apparent; at a mere 15, she was entrusted to the care of the Bortala Art Troupe. In 1975, she transitioned to the Xinjiang Choir, where her artistry continued to flourish. Her work contributed to the Uyghur cinema and played a significant role in preserving and promoting the rich Uyghur culture and history.

The silver screen embraced Shatgul with open arms, marking her auspicious debut in the film "Remaining Snow." Her entrancing performances would go on to define an era of Uyghur cinema. Particularly noteworthy among her portrayals was the role of the enigmatic Sophia in the 1982 film "Rena's Wedding," followed by the spirited portrayal of Huriyet in "The Girl Who Can't Be Actress" (1983), and the intriguing "Mystery Caravan" (1984). Her work set a high standard for Uyghur cinema and inspired a generation of filmmakers and actors. However, her portrayal of twin sisters Aynur and Mahinur etched an indelible mark in the annals of the film industry and endeared her to audiences far and wide.

In November 1986, Shatgul embarked on a transformative journey to Japan alongside esteemed Chinese film actors. Her brilliance on stage and screen and her mature artistic finesse illuminated the creative realm and made her a source of pride for her homeland, leaving behind an indomitable legacy.

Tragically, on March 8, 1987, Shatgul Uyghur's radiant presence was extinguished in a devastating accident. As a distinguished Uyghur actress, she seemed destined for greatness. However, fate took a sinister turn. She got the same fate as her grandfather, who died in a car explosion on 25 February 1947 in Urumchi. Documents witness that Shatgul's father, Uyghur Minup, the head of Water Resources in the Uyghur Region, was the intended target of a malicious act. This tragic event remains one of the haunting unsolved mysteries in recent Uyghur history, casting a shadow over the memory of this remarkable talent. The circumstances of her death, while tragic, do not diminish the impact of her life and work.

Yet, even in her untimely departure, Shatgul Uyghur's luminous spirit continues to shine through her cinematic legacy. Her extraordinary artistry and enduring impact on Uyghur culture ensure that her influence will endure through generations to come, a comforting thought for those who cherish her memory.

 

References

 

Imin, Y. (1988). Shatgul. Urumchi: Xinjiang Youth Publishing.

Minup, Uyghur (2000) On his 96 Birthday of Borhan Sheidi, Xinjiang Historical Materials, Volume 44.

Sohu TV. (n.d.). 夏特古丽. Retrieved from https://tv.sohu.com/star/OTUzMzQ5X+Wkj+eJueWPpOS4vQ==.shtml. Accessed 05 June 2022.

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