The film is set in a Turkmen village in the early years of collectivization. With the arrival of the new regime, much has changed. The film's protagonist, Ataniyaz, is overcome with agonizing doubts about what to do next. Bahram Khan, who has arrived from abroad, suggests that Ataniyaz take all his wealth and leave the country. But moving flocks of sheep is no easy task: it requires loyal shepherds. Now Ataniyaz-bai pins all his hopes on the young shepherd Kerim, who is passionately in love with his daughter, Ziba.