Zud. Cold symphony
Mongolia / 2010 / 29 min / Colour
Italian premiere
Their lives have remained almost identical to those of their ancestors of the thirteenth century Mongolian Empire of Genghis Khan. They are the shepherds of Mongolia. Bayanbat is one of them. His life contrasts starkly with the sweet life of Mongolian pastors recounted in so many films. With his family, he must fight the natural disaster called ZUD. In the winter of 2009-2010, thousands of Mongolian breeders, including Bayanbat, lost a large part of their property. Millions of animals died that winter because of a terrible freeze that reached temperatures of -50° C. This documentary shows Bayanbat’s tremendous efforts to save not only his animals, but also his family, from the cold. The animals are even taken inside Bayanbat’s pitiful house in order to protect them. But we see dozens of carcasses, abandoned on the icy ground. This is an unequal battle between men and nature, that concludes with the victory of the cold.
Credits
Language Mongolian Subject Buyanbadrakh Markhaakhuu Cinematography Buyanbadrakh Markhaakhuu Editing Buyanbadrakh Markhaakhuu Music Antonio VivaldiProducer Buyanbadrakh Markhaakhuu Production company Buyanbadrakh Markhaakhuu