From left to right: Tamir Batbold, Tobias Palsinger, Nikola Joetze, Nominthuyaa Baasankhuu, Nyamdulam Tsedevsuren, Mandakh Gantugs, and Zolbayar Dorjsambuu
As reported by MiddleAsianNews, this event marks an important milestone in expanding Mongolia's presence on the international film stage.
As part of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, three Mongolian projects were presented to the global community of emerging filmmakers and professionals at the FilmNomad × Berlinale Talents Brunch & Pitch Session, highlighting Mongolia's significance in the global film industry.
Under the guidance of FilmNomad, the initiative brought together directors and producers seeking to establish international cooperation in co-production and financing. The session demonstrated how FilmNomad has evolved from an educational program to a full-fledged lab with ambitions for the global market.
Nominthuyaa Baasankhuu, director of FilmNomad, noted that the 2024-25 festival has become an important milestone. Thanks to a partnership with the Sundance Institute and its Co//ab platform, participants completed three online courses before beginning intensive training.
“FilmNomad now operates as a lab,” emphasized Nominthuyaa. “We select projects for intensive development, and the final goal is a presentation on a trip 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 talents from around the world.”
This collaboration not only increased visibility but also provided Mongolian filmmakers with the opportunity 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. As a screenwriter and director, he is seeking international partners to promote his project. “I am here to find a co-producer who can help me with festivals, post-production, and distribution,” he noted. The film's budget is $250,000, and Tamir is also looking for a Mongolian production company to strengthen the project's structure at home. His participation reflects the widespread need among emerging Mongolian filmmakers for access not only to funding but also to strategic guidance through international festivals and markets.
Producer Mandakh Gantugs presented the film "In the Mirage of the Yellow Dunes," the third feature work by Jamiyansuren Janchivdorj. The film explores "the pain of human loneliness and our desperate need for each other," touching on a modern paradox: "We are more connected than ever, but loneliness has become an epidemic." The script is already ready, and 30% of the budget is secured from local sources. The team is seeking additional funding of €300,000 and an international co-producer to attract both financing and experienced crew members. “We are looking for a partner who can collaborate and bring in an international crew,” explained Mandakh, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation to enhance production quality.
The animated project was presented by director Zolbayar Dorjsambuu, who is working on "Tsaskhan," the first feature-length animated film of its kind in Mongolia. This two-dimensional project, being created at his studio in Ulaanbaatar, is dedicated to children's imagination and hope and tells the story of two girls selling books in the capital. “We are looking for co-producers and studios for co-production in Europe,” noted Zolbayar, highlighting France and Japan as potential partners. While part of the funding is already secured and a 20-minute short version is in development, the animation sector in Mongolia still faces limitations in workforce and technical capabilities.
From left to right: Tamir Batbold, Nominthuyaa Baasankhuu, Mandakh Gantugs, and Zolbayar Dorjsambuu at the FilmNomad × Berlinale Talents brunch and pitch session
According to Nominthuyaa, the active international presence of Mongolian films is linked to the efforts of the National Council of Cinematography of Mongolia, which promotes their visibility at major festivals and markets. “Mongolian films are starting to gain recognition,” she noted. “This is a new region with new stories, which attracts international players.”
When asked about the most pressing needs, filmmakers unanimously highlighted: “All three.” Tamir added, “Training, local funding, and international cooperation are necessary.” For the new generation of Mongolian cinema, events like the FilmNomad × Berlinale Talents Brunch & Pitch Session represent not only a chance to make a name for themselves but also an important step toward sustainable international cooperation.
