‘THE CHILDREN OF GENGHIS’
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR OSCARS
AMongolian film titled “The Children of Genghis” was submitted for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film of the 90th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, along with films from 91 countries.
Filmmakers of “The Children of Genghis” held a press conference on October 10 to announce their bid for the Oscars.
Directed by D.Zolbayar, “The Children of Genghis” is the very first Mongolian film to be considered for a nomination for the Academy Awards.
The largest number of films was submitted to the Academy Awards Committee this year. The finalists will be selected on January 23, 2018, and then the winners of the 90th Academy Awards will be announced on March 4, 2018.
The film stars American actress Brittany Belt, Mongolian actors D.Dorjsambuu, D.Dorj, D.Sharavdorj, B.Batmend and R.Ankhnyam.
“The Children of Genghis” was authorized to be screened in the USA last March and was featured in a number of international film festivals.
The film focuses on the horse racing tradition and child jockeys in Mongolia, and features three siblings who race horses.
When a notorious horse trainer, Bold, makes an announcement that he is looking for a jockey to ride his prized Brown Steed, herder Dambii’s eldest son Dorj is given the honor. This turn of events prompts Dorj’s younger brother Byambaa to run away from home in jealousy.
During the press conference, cinematographer D.Angarag said, “Our film passed the three main criteria to be considered for the 90th Academy Awards. The first criterion is that 90 percent of the filmmaking team must be Mongolian. Secondly, the film must have premiered in the country it was produced in. Lastly, a large number of people must have seen it. Starting November, we will work with two American companies on the PR and marketing of the film.”
The filming of “The Children of Genghis” started in April 2016 in Tsenkher soum of Arkhangai Province and continued for a year. The producers reportedly spent 1.2 billion MNT to make the film.
The Ulaanbaatar International Film Festival opened with “The Children of Genghis” on October 10, and the film is being screened by all major cinemas in Ulaanbaatar.