‘If Only I Could Hibernate’ Makes History at Cannes as Mongolian Film Biz Increases Its Reach

variety.com:

Marta Balaga  Zoljargal Purevdash’s “If Only I Could Hibernate,” the first Mongolian film to be shown in Cannes’ official selection, marks another important step for the industry that’s ready to make some moves.  “Things are looking up,” observes the director, mentioning the newly established Mongolian National Film Council and Mongolian Film Fund. “Mongolia just introduced its new film law [which came into force in January 2022] so it’s really starting right now.

I hope we will be able to make more films in the future.”  Her debut feature, presented at Un Certain Regard, was produced by Amygdala Films and France’s Urban Factory, with Urban Sales also on board.  “It’s still not that easy to co-produce with Mongolia, but there is finally a new fund in place for these films.

When you start supporting local producers and then you end up in Cannes, it’s a very good sign,” notes Urban Factory’s Frédéric Corvez.   “If Only I Could Hibernate” tells the story of a teenage boy, Ulizii, who lives in the yurt area of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar.

He’s a physics genius who has secured a university scholarship. But after his alcoholic mother leaves for the countryside, he and his younger siblings have to survive the winter.  “The greatest solution to poverty is education.