“Veins of the World is intimate and sweeping all at once, and has at its core a sincerity that invites genuine empathy.”
Phuong Le, Guardian
The director of much-loved world cinema classics The Story of the Weeping Camel and The Cave of the Yellow Dog transports us once again to the spectacular beauty of the Mongolian steppe, this time looking at the encroachment of modernity and its effect on nomadic lifestyles that have changed little in hundreds of years. Following the sudden death of the leader of a campaign against mining companies who are destroying the habitat on which they depend, his eleven-year-old son steps up to carry on his David vs Goliath fight, an old Mongolian folk tale being both his inspiration and his secret weapon.
Director Byambasuren Davaa was diverted from her original scenario for her fourth feature when she witnessed first-hand the impact that mining operations were having on long-established Mongolian communities. She immediately switched her attention to exposing this existential threat. While Veins of the World shows us the majestic grandeur of the Mongolian landscape, the cinematography also reminds us that the way of life dependent upon the preservation of this same land is in a very precarious position.
The film is out now on Your Screen and has English subtitles throughout, use code BEV25 which gives you 25% off.
Tune in and join the discussion Birds’ Eye View Facebook and YouTube channels – click the link(s) to watch. (Live captioning available) or watch below!
The talk takes place during Mental Health Week is 10-16 May, the theme of this year is Nature and the environment, find out more via the Mental Health Foundation.
