This Is How Nasvay Is Made - Sergei Bessonov

What does nasvay really look like – beyond rumours, assumptions, and policy debates? This short film takes you into a courtyard in Bishkek, where nasvay is made by hand, using simple tools and locally sourced ingredients. No factory, no lab – just a table, a grinder, and a process passed down through generations. Renat, a producer and user, walks us through each step, explaining how recipes differ, how myths (including some persistent and colourful ones) compare to reality, and how producers develop their own “signature” product. The film also captures something often missing from discussions on nicotine use: context. Rising cigarette prices, accessibility, and everyday economics all play a role in why people turn to nasvay or switch between products.