7 Revealing Documentaries About Mongolia
Exploring the Land of Nomads and Steppes
Mongolia captivates with its vast steppes, nomadic traditions, and rich history. As one of East Asia's most distinctive countries, it offers a window into a unique culture shaped by centuries of conquest and adaptation. Documentaries provide an immersive way to explore this fascinating land and its people.
These seven carefully selected documentaries offer revealing insights into Mongolia's past and present, from the legacy of Genghis Khan to the challenges and triumphs of modern Mongolian life. They showcase the country's breathtaking landscapes, ancient customs, and the resilience of its inhabitants. Through expert storytelling and stunning visuals, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of Mongolia's place in the world.
1) The Eagle Huntress
The Eagle Huntress is a captivating documentary that follows the journey of Aisholpan Nurgaiv, a 13-year-old Kazakh girl from Mongolia. Released in 2016, the film showcases Aisholpan's quest to become an eagle hunter, a tradition typically dominated by men.
Directed by Otto Bell and narrated by Daisy Ridley, the documentary highlights Aisholpan's determination as she trains to compete in the prestigious Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii, Mongolia. The film captures the breathtaking landscapes of western Mongolia and provides insight into the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people.
Throughout the documentary, viewers witness Aisholpan's challenges and triumphs as she breaks gender barriers in her community. The film showcases her capturing and training a golden eagle, as well as her preparation for the competition.
The Eagle Huntress received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA. It has sparked discussions about gender roles and cultural traditions in Mongolia and beyond.
While some have questioned the authenticity of certain scenes, the documentary remains a powerful portrayal of a young girl's determination and the changing face of eagle hunting in Mongolia.
2) Vultures of Tibet
"Vultures of Tibet" is a documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the sacred Tibetan Buddhist practice of sky burial. This ancient ritual involves offering the bodies of the deceased to wild griffon vultures.
The film, directed by Russell O. Bush, explores the cultural tensions arising in Western China as this private ceremony becomes a tourist attraction. It sheds light on the ideological conflicts often hidden from the outside world.
Set in the historically Buddhist town of Taktsang Lhamo, the documentary captures the essence of this profound ritual. It showcases the role of vultures in Tibetan Buddhist beliefs and practices.
The film also examines the impact of modernization and tourism on this sacred tradition. It raises questions about cultural preservation and the ethics of observing such deeply personal rituals.
Through its intimate portrayal, "Vultures of Tibet" provides viewers with a thought-provoking exploration of Tibetan culture. It highlights the challenges faced by traditional practices in a rapidly changing world.
3) Mongolian Bling
Mongolian Bling explores the vibrant hip-hop scene in Mongolia. This documentary, directed by Benj Binks, offers a unique perspective on contemporary Mongolian culture through the lens of rap music.
The film follows three diverse Mongolian rappers, showcasing their personal stories and artistic journeys. It delves into the intersection of traditional Mongolian culture and modern influences, examining how hip-hop has become a dominant force in Mongolian youth culture.
Binks spent weeks with the featured artists, gaining intimate insights into their lives and creative processes. The documentary highlights the similarities between Mongolian folk music and hip-hop, revealing how local artists draw from their cultural roots to create a distinct musical identity.
Mongolian Bling goes beyond the typical portrayal of Mongolia as a land of nomadic traditions. It presents a more nuanced view of the country, where only 30% of the population maintains a nomadic lifestyle.
The film touches on themes of identity, western influence, and what it means to be Mongolian in the modern era. It showcases how hip-hop serves as a powerful medium for self-expression and cultural commentary in contemporary Mongolia.
4) The Story of the Weeping Camel
The Story of the Weeping Camel is a 2003 German docudrama set in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. Directed by Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni, the film follows a family of nomadic shepherds as they face an unexpected challenge.
The documentary focuses on a rare white Bactrian camel colt born through a difficult delivery. After the birth, the mother camel rejects her newborn, refusing to nurse it. This rejection poses a serious threat to the colt's survival.
The film showcases the family's persistent efforts to reunite mother and baby. Their traditional techniques prove unsuccessful, leaving the colt alone and crying for its mother.
As a last resort, the family seeks help from a musician in a nearby town. They believe in the power of music to soften the mother camel's heart and restore the bond with her offspring.
The Story of the Weeping Camel offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Mongolian nomads. It highlights their deep connection with nature and animals, as well as their resourcefulness in facing challenges.
5) Children of the Nomads
This documentary explores the changing lives of Mongolian nomadic children. It highlights the challenges faced by young herders as climate change disrupts traditional ways of life.
The film follows several nomadic families as they grapple with increasingly harsh environmental conditions. Viewers witness children learning ancestral herding skills while also adapting to a rapidly modernizing world.
A key focus is the difficult choice many families face: continue the nomadic lifestyle or move to urban areas. The documentary shows children leaving their homes on the steppe to attend school in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital.
In the city, these young nomads encounter new opportunities and obstacles. The film portrays their struggles with urban pollution, cultural adjustments, and uncertain job prospects.
Through intimate portraits of individual children, the documentary captures a pivotal moment in Mongolia's history. It raises important questions about the future of nomadic traditions and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
6) The Horse Boy
"The Horse Boy" is a documentary that follows an American couple's quest to find healing for their autistic son Rowan. Rupert Isaacson and Kristin Neff embark on a journey from Texas to Mongolia with their young son.
The film chronicles their arduous trek across Mongolia's vast landscape. The family seeks out shamans and horseback riding experiences, hoping to improve Rowan's condition.
Mongolia's horse culture plays a central role in the documentary. The parents had noticed that Rowan's autism symptoms seemed to lessen when he was around horses.
Throughout their travels, the film explores the intersection of traditional healing practices and modern medical understanding of autism. It offers a unique perspective on alternative approaches to managing developmental disorders.
The documentary provides stunning visuals of Mongolia's rugged terrain and nomadic lifestyle. It also highlights the country's spiritual traditions and the importance of horses in Mongolian culture.
"The Horse Boy" presents a deeply personal story while offering insights into Mongolian customs and beliefs. The film raises questions about different cultural approaches to health and healing.
7) Mongolian Ping Pong
Mongolian Ping Pong is a 2005 Chinese film directed by Ning Hao. The movie is set in the remote grasslands of Mongolia, showcasing the region's vast and beautiful landscape.
The story follows three young Mongolian boys who discover a ping pong ball floating in a stream. This simple object becomes a source of wonder and curiosity for the children, sparking a journey of discovery.
The film explores themes of innocence, cultural isolation, and the impact of modernity on traditional ways of life. It offers a unique glimpse into the daily experiences of nomadic Mongolian families.
Mongolian Ping Pong is primarily in the Mongolian language, adding authenticity to its portrayal of rural Mongolian life. The movie's gentle pacing and artistic approach create a contemplative viewing experience.
Critics have praised the film for its charming narrative and stunning visuals of the Mongolian steppes. It provides viewers with insight into a rarely-seen part of the world and its inhabitants.
Historical Context of Mongolian Documentary Filmmaking
Mongolian documentary filmmaking has evolved significantly over the past century, shaped by political changes and technological advancements. The country's rich history and unique cultural traditions have provided fertile ground for documentary storytelling.
Early Developments in Film
Mongolia's film industry began in the 1930s under Soviet influence. The first documentaries focused on propaganda and educational content. In 1935, the Mongolian Film Studio was established, marking the start of organized film production.
Early documentaries captured nomadic lifestyles, traditional festivals, and socialist progress. These films served as historical records and tools for nation-building. Soviet filmmakers played a crucial role in training Mongolian directors and cinematographers.
By the 1950s, Mongolian filmmakers started producing their own documentaries. These works often highlighted industrialization efforts and collective farming initiatives. The government heavily controlled film content during this period.
Impact of Political Changes
The transition to democracy in 1990 had a profound effect on Mongolian documentary filmmaking. Censorship loosened, allowing filmmakers to explore previously taboo subjects. New themes emerged, including environmental issues, urban development, and social challenges.
International collaborations increased, bringing fresh perspectives and technical expertise. The Film Archive of Mongolia expanded its collection, preserving important historical footage and documentaries.
Modern Mongolian documentaries often blend traditional and contemporary elements. They explore topics like nomadic heritage, rapid urbanization, and the country's evolving identity. Filmmakers now have more freedom to critique social and political issues.
Digital technology has made filmmaking more accessible to a new generation of documentarians. This has led to a diverse range of voices and styles in Mongolian documentary cinema.
Cultural Themes in Mongolian Documentaries
Mongolian documentaries offer a window into the country's rich cultural heritage and contemporary challenges. These films explore the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in Mongolian society.
Traditional Life and Nomadic Heritage
Documentaries frequently showcase Mongolia's nomadic traditions, which remain a vital part of the national identity. Films like "The Story of the Weeping Camel" blend documentary and fiction to portray the lives of herders in the Gobi Desert. This hybrid approach captures the essence of nomadic culture, featuring yurts, camels, and the vast steppes.
Eagle hunting, an ancient practice, takes center stage in "The Eagle Huntress." This film follows a young Kazakh girl's journey to become an eagle hunter, highlighting gender roles and the preservation of cultural practices.
Many documentaries emphasize the importance of horses in Mongolian culture. They depict traditional horse riding skills, racing events, and the deep bond between Mongolians and their equine companions.
Modern Challenges and Adaptations
Recent films explore the rapid urbanization of Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar. They document the influx of rural migrants and the resulting cultural shifts as traditional lifestyles clash with city living.
Environmental issues feature prominently in contemporary Mongolian documentaries. Films address the impacts of climate change on nomadic herders and the challenges of sustainable development in a resource-rich country.
Some documentaries focus on Mongolia's youth, who make up a significant portion of the population. These films examine the tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing global influences, especially in music, fashion, and technology.
