Italian
A cinematic journey through Mongolia: ‘The Wolves Always Come at Night’
A new documentary to premiere at Toronto Film Festival
Cinephil has recently acquired the international rights to the documentary “The Wolves Always Come at Night”, directed by Gabrielle Brady. This compelling film is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, competing in the Platform Competition. The documentary promises to offer a unique blend of narrative and observational storytelling, capturing the essence of a rural Mongolian family’s struggle against the harsh realities of climate change.
A story of resilience and change
The film follows the lives of Davaasuren Dagvasuren and Otgonzaya Dashzeveg, a sheep-herding family in Mongolia. After enduring an exceptionally brutal winter, they are forced to abandon their traditional way of life. The documentary not only captures their day-to-day struggles but also delves into their memories and personal experiences, offering a deeply emotional and intimate portrayal of their journey.
A blend of reality and memory
Gabrielle Brady, the writer-director, explains that the film intertwines observational documentary moments with loosely composed scenarios. This approach allows the audience to traverse the memories of Daava and Zaya, providing a rich, layered narrative. Brady’s return to Mongolia after many years revealed a transformed landscape, where old friends had moved to urban districts, leaving behind their rural roots. This sense of loss and displacement is a central theme in the film.
“When I returned to Mongolia many years after having lived there, I found a very different place. Old friends were now living in the city’s districts, after having been forced to leave their homelands. I remember meeting one young ex-herder who told us he had moved to the city over a decade before but that every night he dreamed only of the countryside. His dreaming life existed solely in the landscape he had left. It was as though his body had never arrived. This quiet sense of loss deeply moved me.”
A global collaboration
The film is produced by Julia Niethammer of Chromosom Film, Ariunaa Tserenpil of Guru Media, and Rita Walsh for Over Here. Co-producers include Brady herself and Oyundari Khurelbaatar. The executive production team boasts names like Deanne Weir, Alexander Wadouh, Stefanie Plattner, Emma Hindley, and Dan Cogan.
A testament to climate change
Suzanne Nodale, co-managing director of Cinephil, praises the film for its unique and emotional portrayal of the devastating consequences of climate change. She describes it as an “exceptionally beautiful film unlike anything we’ve seen,” highlighting its epic, personal, and emotional narrative.
A collaborative effort
The documentary is presented by Screen Australia in association with Weiranderson Films and Storming Donkey Productions, with support from BBC Storyville, SWR, and Arte. This collaboration underscores the global importance of the film’s message and the universal relevance of its themes.
Watch the trailer
For those eager to get a glimpse of this poignant documentary, you can watch the trailer for The Wolves Always Come at Night.
Final thoughts
“The Wolves Always Come at Night” is more than just a documentary; it’s a powerful narrative that captures the essence of human resilience in the face of environmental adversity. Through its unique blend of observational and narrative storytelling, the film offers a deeply personal and emotional journey that resonates with audiences worldwide. As it makes its debut at the Toronto Film Festival, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who must adapt to the ever-changing world around them.
