My name is Nikola Krstić, and I’ve been a filmmaker for more than 11 years. Over this time, I’ve filmed on nearly every continent, from commercials and tourism films to documentaries and short creative projects. For me, filmmaking has always been about chasing stories in unexpected places, places where nature, culture, and human connection collide to create something unforgettable.

That’s what drew me to Kyrgyzstan. It’s a country not many people think of when planning a trip, but that’s exactly why I wanted to go. Remote, raw, and full of traditions that still live on today, it felt like the perfect setting for an adventure.

Creative Vision and Inspiration

The spark behind this short film was the idea of exploring somewhere that still holds a sense of mystery. Kyrgyzstan is dominated by wild mountains, hidden valleys, and nomadic families who have lived the same way for centuries. We wanted to capture that rhythm of life and share it in a cinematic way, while also testing how far we could push a compact filmmaking setup.

The story evolved naturally. At first, it was just about documenting nomadic life. But as we traveled, unexpected challenges shaped the narrative: getting stuck in the mud before a sunset shoot with eagle hunters, car breakdowns at 3,000 meters, or sudden storms that turned roads into rivers. Instead of obstacles, these became part of the story.

And of course, none of this would have been possible without my small but dedicated squad. Filmmaking in such remote places isn’t a solo effort; it takes a team. I was lucky to have Alen Tkalcec and others by my side.

The camera itself influenced the way we worked. Knowing I had the Sony FX2 gave me confidence to approach the film in a stripped-back way: small crew, minimal gear, and the freedom to improvise.

The biggest challenge? The unpredictability. Two weeks in the mountains meant no safety net, if something broke, we had to fix it or find a local solution. That’s where the FX2 really proved itself. Reliable, versatile, and light enough to carry everywhere, it helped us keep filming no matter what happened.

Working with the Sony FX2

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the FX2 was its size. It’s compact and lightweight, but still has the full Cinema Line DNA. That combination was perfect for Kyrgyzstan, where we spent hours hiking with gear on our backs and constantly switched between planned setups and fast run-and-gun moments.

Another huge advantage was that the FX2 felt like a true 2-in-1 tool, cinema camera and photo body in one. I didn’t need to carry an extra camera just for stills. Having the ability to capture both professional video and high-resolution photos in a single body made my kit lighter, simpler, and far more efficient.

Features like Dynamic Active Stabilization meant I could shoot handheld when there was no chance to set up a tripod or gimbal. And the Dual Base ISO was a lifesaver during nighttime shoots, like when we filmed local musicians performing around a massive bonfire in the middle of the mountains.

I also appreciated how easy it was to move between stills and video. With its 33-megapixel sensor and dedicated stills/movie button, I could grab high-resolution images whenever I needed, without interrupting the filming process.

And then there’s the Super 35 mode. This is one of the most underrated features. On a lens like the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, suddenly you’re shooting with the equivalent reach of a 105mm without sacrificing quality. That flexibility was huge for documentary-style filming.

At first, I was sceptical about whether this compact cinema camera could handle such a demanding shoot. By the end of the trip, I realized the FX2 had grown on me so much that it became my go-to camera.

Technical & Cinematic Approach

For this project, we paired the FX2 with a range of Sony G and G Master lenses to cover every situation:

• FE 16mm f/2.8 G for wide landscapes and immersive scenes.
• FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II for dynamic handheld shots.
• FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II as my workhorse lens, on my camera 80% of the time.
• FE 28-70mm f/2 GM was our Portrait Lens and Low light Joker Card
• FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II with the 2x teleconverter for distant wildlife and the Kok Boru horse games.

For audio, We used the ECM-B1M microphone, which was a perfect lightweight solution for capturing clean sound on the move.

This kit unlocked shots I couldn’t have pulled off with another setup. For example, handheld close-ups of people in the Karakol animal market felt natural because the FX2 isn’t intimidating, locals laughed with us, even while loading goats into the back of a car. And when Alen volunteered to jump into a Kok Boru horse wrestling match, the stabilization and Super 35 reach made the footage feel like we were right in the middle of the action.

The image quality and Sony’s color science gave us a strong cinematic base. Even when conditions were rough, high altitude, harsh sunlight, or deep shadows, the files held incredible detail and dynamic range.

Artistry & Audience

What I hope audiences take away from this film is a sense of how much beauty and tradition still exists in places we rarely think about. Kyrgyzstan is wild, challenging, and at times unforgiving, but that’s what makes it inspiring.

I also hope it shows aspiring creators that you don’t need massive crews or heavy rigs to tell meaningful stories. The Sony FX2 proves you can keep your setup compact, adapt to any situation, and still deliver professional-quality results.

For me, tools like this are shaping the future of short-form and independent filmmaking. They allow us to be nimble, to travel lighter, and to focus on creativity instead of logistics.

My advice to other filmmakers: don’t be afraid to experiment with new gear. Push it into uncomfortable situations. You’ll discover not just what the camera can do, but also what you can do when the tools free you to focus on the story.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back, Kyrgyzstan was one of the hardest and most rewarding projects I’ve ever done. Three weeks felt like two months, packed with challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Through it all, the FX2 never left my side.

But beyond the gear, it was also about the people I shared the journey with. Having Alen Tkalcec and the rest of the squad along made the experience unforgettable. They pushed through the same challenges, shared the same laughs and frustrations, and together we made the story come alive.
What started as an experiment ended with a camera I didn’t want to put down. And for me, that’s the highest compliment I can give.

Special Thanks Team:

Nikola Krstic:https://www.instagram.com/nickrstic
Alen Tkalcec: https://www.instagram.com/be_mesmerized/
Stjepan Dolenec: https://www.instagram.com/be_mesmerized/

You can watch Nikola's full video here.