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The Eagle Huntress (The Eagle Huntress)

Ajyal Competition, Special Screening

Synopsis

For centuries, in order to survive in the often harsh climate of the steppe, the peoples of Mongolia have captured and trained golden eagles to hunt for them. At 13 years of age, Aisholpan is determined to follow in her ancestors’ footsteps – she wants to capture a chick of her own, train it, and participate in the nation’s great eagle-hunting festivals. Encouraged by her father, himself an award-winning hunter, the youth takes to the various elements of training her bird with aplomb. Soon, she believes she is ready to compete.

Traditionally, however, eagle hunters have always been men, and the regional elders are more than happy to offer up all manner of laughable reasons as to why women should not become involved in the domain of their forefathers. Aisholpan, however, has the blessing of her parents and her grandfather, and there is no obstacle to stop her from competing in her first eagle hunting festival.

Set against the astonishing Mongolian landscape, ‘The Eagle Huntress’ is a heartwarming celebration of the passion of one very determined young woman, the special bond between a father and his daughter and, finally, of the wonderful ability of the human spirit to rise to a challenge. Executive produced by the likes of Morgan Spurlock and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ newcomer Daisy Ridley, the film has seen major worldwide success since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and we are thrilled to have it launch the fourth edition of Ajyal.

Official Film Website

Credits

Director

Otto Bell

Producer

Stacey Reiss, Sharon Chang, Otto Bell

Editor

Pierre Takal

Music

Jeff Peters

Cinematographer

Simon Niblett

Sales Company

Ramonda Inc., Celluloid Dreams

Production Company

Kissiki, 19340 Productions, Stacey Reiss Productions

Cast

Aisholpan Nurgaiv, Rys Nurgaiv, Kuksyegyen Almagul, Boshai Dalaikhan

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