A new cinematic journey: ‘To Kill a Mongolian Horse’ debuts at Venice Film Festival
Pluto Film has taken the reins of the highly anticipated film, To Kill a Mongolian Horse, just in time for its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Directed by the talented Xiaoxuan Jiang, this film is set to captivate audiences with its unique narrative and compelling characters.
A story inspired by real-life events
To Kill a Mongolian Horse is not just another film; it’s a deeply personal project for Jiang, inspired by true events and her real-life friend, Saina. Saina, a Mongolian herdsman, made the bold decision to become a horseback performer, eventually taking on the lead role in this film. This transition from herdsman to performer is a central theme that resonates throughout the movie.
“Before I started writing, I found myself in a particular place in my filmmaking career. I was wondering how I can make the kind of films I want to make and, at the same time, have a sustainable, healthy career,” Jiang shared in a recent interview.
This internal struggle is something many creatives can relate to, especially those who find themselves torn between commercial success and artistic integrity. Jiang’s friends, who turned to commercials for financial stability, further highlighted this dichotomy for her.
The allure and challenges of the horse shows
Jiang’s frequent visits to horse shows provided a unique backdrop for the film. She was particularly struck by the hyper-masculine atmosphere and the performers’ transformation into heroic figures through elaborate costumes and makeup. This process of donning an “armor” to become someone else is a powerful metaphor for the roles we all play in life.
“When I started discovering these shows, I was intrigued by what was happening backstage. I was watching them as they had to dress up and put on all this makeup in order to become these heroic figures. It’s not something that happens naturally. It takes time for you to put on this ‘armor’,” Jiang explained.
A global collaboration
To Kill a Mongolian Horse is a co-production involving Malaysia, the U.S., Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan. The film was executive produced by Tan Chui Mui and produced by Zhulin Mo for Da Huang Pictures. This international collaboration brought together diverse talents and resources, making the film a truly global project.
“Finding the right partner has been challenging, but Pluto Film, with its bold and adventurous spirit, aligns perfectly with our team. I’m thrilled that we’ve connected,” Jiang said, emphasizing the indie spirit of the production.
The challenges and rewards of low-budget filmmaking
Working with a tight budget and non-professional actors presented unique challenges and opportunities. Jiang recounted how they had to wait for an actual blizzard to film a dream sequence, highlighting the resourcefulness required in low-budget filmmaking.
“We were able to make this film because the budget is extremely low. We worked on a tight schedule and with non-professionals, which turned out to be a very good idea,” Jiang noted, adding that international funding was crucial for the project.
A universal story with a local context
Daniela Cölle, Pluto’s managing director and head of acquisitions, praised the film for its universal appeal despite its specific local context. The story of a man whose world is falling apart around him is one that resonates with audiences worldwide, especially those affected by changing socioeconomic realities.
“We are constantly traveling the world of cinema, on the lookout for inspiring new voices. We were immediately captivated by this powerful film by a first-time director who proposes a female perspective on a story about a man whose world is falling apart around him,” Cölle said.
Bringing the film to global audiences
Pluto Film is committed to ensuring that To Kill a Mongolian Horse reaches both big and small screens around the world. The film’s universal themes and powerful storytelling make it a must-see for cinema enthusiasts everywhere.
“We see ‘To Kill a Mongolian Horse’ traveling to festivals and we will combine all our efforts to bring this important film to the big and small screens of the world. We want to make sure that nobody is missing out on this inspiring piece of filmmaking,” Cölle concluded.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of this remarkable film, you can watch the trailer here.
To Kill a Mongolian Horse promises to be a cinematic experience that not only entertains but also provokes thought and reflection. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.