Synopsis
When gifted high school student Ulzii unexpectedly wins a local physics competition in Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar, he sees a chance to escape his deprived neighbourhood by competing in the national finals for the chance of a university scholarship. But when his struggling mother returns to the countryside in search of work, he has to balance the demands of looking after his younger siblings during a harsh winter with pursuing his academic dreams.
The first Mongolian film to ever play in official selection at Cannes, writer/director Zoljargal Purevdash’s beautifully photographed debut feature is a hope-filled coming-of-age drama about resilience and determination against the odds.
Festival & Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2023
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2023
BFI London Film Festival 2023
São Paulo International Film Festival 2023
Quotes
“… this first Mongolian film to play in Cannes official selection is a drama which is rooted in the political but is never heavy-handed. Puevdash and her cast, particularly charismatic newcomer Batsooj Uurtsaikh in the lead, approach this subject with a gentle touch...”
– Nikki Baughan, Screen International
Film Info
98 mins | Mongolia, France, Switzerland, Qatar | 2023 | Cert: tbc
Director:
Zoljargal Purevdash
Cast:
Battsooj Uurtsaikh, Nominjiguur Tsend, Tuguldur Batsaikhan