According to MiddleAsianNews, this event highlights the growing influence of Mongolia on the international film scene.
At the FilmNomad × Berlinale Talents brunch, which became part of the Berlinale Talents program at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, three Mongolian projects were presented to an international audience, marking an important step in the development of Mongolian cinema.
The FilmNomad initiative gathered directors and producers seeking to find international partners for co-production and financing. The event also discussed the transformation of FilmNomad from an educational platform into a full-fledged laboratory with global ambitions.
Nominjuyaa Baasankhuu, head of FilmNomad, noted that the 2024-25 festival will be a turning point. Thanks to collaboration with the Sundance Institute and its Co//ab platform, participants completed three online courses before starting intensive training.
“FilmNomad now resembles a laboratory more than ever,” Nominjuyaa added. “We select projects and work on their development, with the final point being a presentation on a train that will head to the Gobi Desert in July. This year, we are collaborating with Berlinale Talents for the first time and presenting our three best projects to 200 selected talents from around the world.”
This collaboration not only increased visibility but also opened opportunities for Mongolian filmmakers to network with international professionals during the Berlin International Film Festival.
Director Tamir Batbold presented his debut feature film “The Birthday of Jinzhiy,” a romantic drama currently in development. He is seeking international partners to promote the project, serving as both writer and director. “I am here to find a co-producer who can help me with festivals, post-production, and distribution,” he shared. The film's budget is $250,000, and Tamir is also looking for a Mongolian production company to strengthen the project at home. His participation underscores the overall need among emerging Mongolian filmmakers for access to funding and strategic guidance through international festivals.
Producer Mandakh Gantogs presented the film “In the Mirage of the Yellow Dune,” the third feature by Jamiyansuren Janchivdorj, exploring “the pain of human loneliness and our desperate need for each other.” “We are more connected than ever, yet loneliness has become an epidemic,” she noted. The script is ready, 30% of the budget is secured from local sources, and the team is seeking an additional 300,000 euros and an international co-producer who can provide both funds and experienced crew members. “We are looking for a co-producer who can work with us and attract an international team,” Mandakh emphasizes, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration to enhance production quality.
An animation project was presented by Zolbayar Dorjsemb, who is working on “Tsaskhan,” the first feature-length animated film of its kind in Mongolia. This two-dimensional project, created in Ulaanbaatar, is dedicated to children's imagination and hope, telling the story of two girls selling books in the capital. “We are looking for co-producers and studios for collaboration in Europe,” Zolbayar stated, highlighting France and Japan as potential partners. Despite some local funding and the development of a 20-minute short version, the animation sector in Mongolia faces limitations in workforce and technical capabilities.
According to Nominjuyaa, the increasing international presence of Mongolian films is linked to the efforts of the National Council of Cinema of Mongolia, which promotes their visibility at major festivals and markets. “Mongolian films are starting to attract attention,” she added. “This is a new region and new stories, which piques the interest of international players.”
When asked about the most pressing needs, filmmakers unanimously responded: “All three.” Tamir added: “Training, local funding, and opportunities for international collaboration.” For the new generation of Mongolian cinema, events like the FilmNomad × Berlinale Talents Brunch & Pitch Session represent not only a platform for self-expression but also an important step towards sustainable international collaboration.
