In Mongolia’s coldest winter, two herders fight storms and wolves to protect 2,000 horses.

In Mongolia’s coldest valley, horses mean life. But in the iron winter, nothing can survive alone. For countless generations, the herders of the Tsakhir Valley protected their horses from ferocious arctic storms and relentless wolf attacks by amassing a giant winter herd, and choosing their bravest young men to protect it. The daring tradition served as a brutal coming of age ritual, until five years ago, when under increasing environmental pressure, it abruptly ended. Fearful of the loss of culture, the elders vowed to revive it. And two young friends were handed the daunting responsibility to not only protect the valley’s herd but to save its most sacred practice. For four months, the boys battle Mongolia’s deadliest winter on record, testing friendship and faith in a fight to keep 2000 horses alive and preserve an ancient way of life.

Kasimir Burgess, the director of the film, was originally a practising sculptor, but he transitioned into documentary and drama, focusing on stories that explore the natural world and humanity’s complex relationship with it. His films have screened and won awards at numerous festivals, including Berlin, Raindance, Locarno and the Melbourne International Film Festival.

“One of the most visually striking documentaries in recent years” – International Documentary Association