International Competition

The Eagle Huntress

Otto Bell
Screening time  
27.02. / Monday, 13:00 - 15:00 Theatre 3  
01.03. / Wednesday, 14:00 - 16:00 Theatre 1  
03.03. / Friday, 20:00 - 22:00 Theatre 1  
05.03. / Sunday, 12:00 - 14:00 Theatre 2  
05.03. / Sunday, 14:00 - 16:00 Theatre 4  
05.03. / Sunday, 18:00 - 20:00 Theatre 5  
05.03. / Sunday, 20:00 - 22:00 Theatre 3  
The story of a 13-year-old nomad girl, growing up in a patriarchal community with a passion for hunting with golden eagles, an activity that for thousands of years has been entirely dominated by men.

In the photogenic environment of the Altai Mountains in Mongolia, we follow the story of Aisholpan, a 13-year-old nomad girl. Aisholpan is growing up in a patriarchal community with a passion for hunting with golden eagles, an activity that for thousands of years has been entirely dominated by men. Fascinated by the huge birds of prey, Aisholpan causes consternation when she sets out to become the first female eagle hunter. Despite the criticism from village elders, her father lends her his support. The scenes in which Aisholpan explores the gorgeous landscape on horseback to learn the finer points of hunting with her father reveal the closeness of their relationship. Then comes the annual eagle-hunting contest. Aisholpan is the youngest participant, and also the only girl. Can she hold her own? This compelling story shot in the vast expanses of the Mongolian steppe is a modern folktale about perseverance, courage and the influence of inflexible tradition. You can do anything, sings Australian singer-songwriter Sia in a song composed for the film.

Otto_bell_2

Otto Bell

Otto Bell was born in the United Kingdom and studied at Oxford. He founded Kissaki Films, which is based in New York. He directed more than fifteen documentary films for such brands as IBM and Philips. The Eagle Huntress (2016) is his feature documentary debut.

General sponsor

USA
2016, 87' 13''

Directed by:
Otto Bell

Screenplay by:
Otto Bell

Cinematography:
Simon Niblett

Edited by:
Pierre Takal

Music:
Sia, Jeff Peters

Producers:
Stacey Reiss, Sharon Chang, Otto Bell

Produced by:
Stacey Reiss Productions, 19340 Productions, Kissiki Films

Festivals & Awards:

IDFA 2016 – 3rd place Audience Award; Aspen Filmfest 2016 – 2nd place Audience Award; Cinema Eye Honors Awards 2017 – Cinema Eye Honors Award; Denver International Film Festival 2016 – People's Choice Award; Hamptons International Film Festival 2016 – Golden Starfish Award Best Documentary Feature; Hawaii International Film Festival 2016 – Audience Award; Middleburg Film Festival 2016 – Audience Award; Mill Valley Film Festival 2016 – Audience Award; National Board of Review 2016 – NBR Award; Palm Springs International Film Festival 2017 – Directors to Watch Award; Sundance Film Festival 2016; Toronto International Film Festival 2016; BFI London Film Festival 2016; International Film Festival Karlovy Vary 2016; New Zealand International Film Festival 2016; Chicago International Film Festival 2016