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The long-simmering tensions between Kazakhs and Russians is symbolized in this drama from director Marat Sarulu about the difficult relationship between two families. Ivan (Vladimir Yavorsky) and his wife Maria (Irina Agejkina) live in a small rural community in Kazakhstan, where their closest neighbors are Asan (Dzhaidarbek Kunguzhinov) and his wife Aisha (Ajzhan Ajtenova). Ivan and Maria are of Russian descent, while Asan and Aisha are native Kazakhs. Maria is expecting a baby, and when it's born, it's complexion resembles a Kazakh, leading Ivan to angrily accuse her of having an affair with Asan. While Ivan feels he can no longer trust his wife, he refuses to discuss the matter with Asan, while Maria and Aisha similarly refuse to acknowledge the hurt feelings that linger. Fifteen years later, both marriages are crumbling under the weight of the suspicions no one will speak about, and Ivan and Maria's son is a gifted horseman who has some issues of his own. Meanwhile, Ivan pays a visit to the grandfather he hasn't seen in years, and learns a secret that puts a new perspective on his suspicions. Song From The Southern Seas was an official selection at the 2009 Rotterdam International Film Festival.