This was the first time audiences had seen such an “Uzbek-style King.” The film “One Touch,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s short story “The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands”, offered an unusual experience of how iconic horror can be reimagined through a local lens. The story was updated to the 21st century and relocated to Uzbekistan, yet the atmosphere remained just as oppressive and frightening as ever.
The film was created as part of the Dollar Baby program, launched by Stephen King in 1977. The idea was simple: any aspiring filmmaker could adapt one of his short stories for just one symbolic dollar, provided the film wasn’t used commercially and all rights were retained by the author. When the program wrapped up in December 2023, Gulnara Ivanova became the first and last filmmaker from Uzbekistan to complete a project under its auspices.
“The Dollar Baby program was a unique opportunity for young filmmakers, giving them a chance to explore and unlock their potential,” said the project producer Eldor Yuldashev in an interview with HD Magazine. He noted that Frank Darabont, director of iconic “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” also got his start through Dollar Baby, with his short film adaptation of “The Woman in the Room.”
It was a challenge not just creatively, but technically too. Filming took place in a remote corner of the Tashkent region, chosen for its haunting, cinematic atmosphere, one with no electricity or mobile signal. The project was entirely non-commercial, and everyone involved worked purely on enthusiasm: all for that very “touch” of King.
On set. Photo by Svetlana Volkova
Producer Davron Kabulov described the film shoot as a true test of endurance: everything ran on generators, which meant constant breakdowns, the noise and refuelling. “Even meals were up to us. No cook, no logistics team… Every single day we had to figure out who’d bring the water, the food, how much we needed, and how to keep it all fresh in the heat. The nearest shop was miles away. We had no one to turn to,” he told HD Magazine.
The plot of “One Touch” reimagines King’s original story with creative freedom, but keeps its emotional core. Henry becomes Mark, an Uzbek man. The dog is replaced by a “died” bouquet. And yet the central fear remains: the dread of touching another person. In this version, that fear is infused with personal guilt: Mark believes his curse could harm the people he loves. Like in King’s original, the ending is left open. Forgiveness? Death? Maybe both.
On set. Photo by Svetlana Volkova
“I’ve always worked in the genres of thriller and psychological drama; my friends even joke that I’m a real “dark” character. But for me, it’s more than just a hobby. I truly love these kinds of stories; I love watching them, and even more so, creating them”, Ivanova told HD Magazine.
The screening at the university drew students, journalists, and film industry professionals. The discussions continued long after the credits rolled. Some reflected on the symbolism, others on the technical choices. But what delighted many was the simple fact that, for the first time ever, a film by an Uzbek director had entered the personal library of the King of Horror.
Director Gulnara Ivanova and film screening organiser Marina Hramova. Photo by Dior Masharipov
Director Shoxrux Rasulov pointed out that indie projects like this are vital for the development of the film industry. “The film subtly captures a sense of fear. The open ending was the right call — very much in King’s tradition.”
Creative producer Gayrat Muminov added that the Uzbek context doesn’t break the film genre but rather deepens it: “It felt truly King-like — unsettling, mystical, and instantly recognisable. I’d love to see this story expanded into a larger format.”
Due to the program restrictions, “One Touch” can’t be released publicly. Still, it already stands as a powerful cultural statement about fear, guilt, loneliness, and hope. It speaks in a fresh voice — restrained, unsettling, and deeply distinctive.
And while viewers are left wondering whether the protagonist got a second chance, the very fact that Uzbekistan now has its own take on Stephen King means a great deal. Sometimes, all it takes is one dollar to open the door to a whole new world.