The Happy Dictator

Deep in the heart of Central Asia lies one of the world's most secretive countries - Turkmenistan. Run by a crazy dictator whose megalomania has spawned a personality cult to rival that of Chairman Mao, this unlikely desert republic has earned itself a grim reputation as “the North Korea of Central Asia.” But since no one is usually allowed in or out, the truth about Turkmenistan is impossible to separate from the rumours and the legends. Until now.

Posing as a tourist who has come to Turkmenistan for a stag weekend, Waldemar Januszczak goes undercover in this bizarre and sinister country to separate the facts from the fiction. And he’s taken his camera with him…

“Utterly fascinating…a brilliant piece of observational journalism…” – Radio Times
“a light-hearted yet fascinating look at life in one of the world’s most secretive countries” – Daily Mail
“…a beautifully observed film…” – The Observer
“very funny…” – Financial Times
“entertainingly observational film” – The Times