Italian
Female empowerment and mysticism unite in ‘Where the Mountain Women Sing’
A unique blend of feminism and Mongolian mysticism
Female empowerment converges with Mongolian mysticism in “Where the Mountain Women Sing”, a genre-bending masterpiece directed by Zhang Juefang. This ambitious film has recently debuted at the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, part of TIFFCOM, where it has successfully secured 60% of its $800,000 budget.
The story follows Stephanie, a documentary filmmaker, who stumbles upon a secluded Mongolian village governed by female shamans. This seemingly utopian matriarchy hides dark traditions involving mandatory childbearing and forbidden love, leading her to a profound moral crisis that challenges her perception of power and belief systems.
Bridging the mystical and the modern
“The genesis of ‘Where the Mountain Women Sing’ is deeply personal,” reveals director Zhang. Growing up amidst the folklore and shamanic traditions of northern China, Zhang has always been intrigued by the tension between the mystical and the everyday, the ancient and the modern. Her film promises to delve deep into this dichotomy, portraying a village where women hold power yet remain ensnared by the invisible chains of tradition.
“While the village appears to be a utopia where women hold power, it is also a place where they are still bound by invisible chains – the rules of the Mountain God, societal pressures, and ritualistic customs that control their fate,” Zhang explains.
Envisioning a visually innovative project
Veteran Taiwanese producer Patrick Mao Huang has also joined the project, drawn by its unique blend of mysticism and modernity. “The remote Mongolian setting and cyberpunk aesthetics make it a visually innovative project with strong festival potential,” notes Huang.
This collaboration is poised to amplify Zhang’s ambitious vision, already evident in her proof-of-concept short film. The production team, which includes When Pigs Fly Films, Huang’s Flash Forward Entertainment, and 70 Steps, plans to begin shooting during the snow season of 2025. They are actively seeking additional co-producers, financiers, distributors, and an international sales company to bring this vision to life.
Beyond the narrative: Themes and aesthetics
“Ultimately, I want ‘Where the Mountain Women Sing’ to be a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film that resonates with audiences on multiple levels,” Zhang states. This film is designed not merely as one woman’s journey but as an exploration of the collective struggle of women against systems that seek to define and limit them.
By blending the beauty of the Mongolian landscape with an eerie, mystical atmosphere, Zhang aims to create a film that is visually captivating while delivering a powerful message about the need for personal liberation, self-discovery, and cultural preservation.
Expanding the cinematic universe
Next on Zhang’s agenda is “When Pigs Fly,” a U.S.-Taiwan co-produced dark comedy about Hollywood scams, and “White Island,” a Thai-French feminist horror film delving into neo-colonial practices and cult activity. Both projects promise to uphold Zhang’s commitment to blending strong thematic content with bold, innovative visuals.
The journey ahead
As “Where the Mountain Women Sing” continues to gather momentum, it promises to be a standout addition to contemporary cinema. Combining a strong feminist message with an evocative Mongolian setting, the film is set to challenge and captivate audiences worldwide.
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