THE TWO HORSES OF GENGHIS KHAN (2009) [feature]

Germany (MIFF2010,Documentaries)
Director: Byambasuren Davaa

An initiation into the little-heard music of Mongolia that is as captivating to the eyes as it is to the ears.

This highly stylised documentary from filmmaker Byambasuren Davaa (The Cave of the Yellow Dog, MIFF 06) almost masquerades as fiction, but the story of famous singer Urna's quest is as real and as vital as Mongolia's rich history.

Engraved on the neck of traditional, horsehead violins, the verses of the song ‘The Two Horses of Ghengis Khan' give voice to a turbulent history. Forced to destroy her violin during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Urna's grandmother wants her beloved instrument restored. Urna takes on the responsibility, which sends her across vast lands and to the homes of people who share the secrets of the song.

'By collecting the old songs, they will be saved from being forgotten forever.' - filmmaker Byambasuren Davaa

---D/S Byambasuren Davaa P Byambasuren Davaa, Beatrix Wesle WS Atrix Films L Mongolian w/English subtitles TD 35mm/2009

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