Institute of Asian Research

Program on Inner Asia: "The Cave of the Yellow Dog

On Monday, March 26, 2007, the Mongolian film "The Cave of the Yellow Dog" will be screened at 5pm in the Norm Theatre, Student Union Building as a part of the IAR Asian Film Festival.

"The Cave of the Yellow Dog" was directed by Byambasuren Davaa who received many awards for her film "The Legend of the Weeping Camel", including a nomination for an Academy Award for best documentary feature in 2004.

As with Davaa's previous film, "The Cave of the Yellow Dog" is perhaps best described as a fictionalized documentary in that it integrates the technique of a documentary (lay "actors", naturalistic locations, etc.) with a story-line that is based on a Mongolian folk tale. It features gorgeous scenery and almost anthropological insights into contemporary Mongolian life in the country.

The film has received numerous awards in such competitions as the San Sebastian International Film Festival, the Hamptons International Film Festival, and the Munich Film Festival.

Here are some of the reviews of the film as they appear on Rotten Tomatoes:

• "It's the perfect antidote to overprocessed entertainment, for moviegoers of any age." (Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News)
• "A timeless movie, and offers a rare chance for the whole family to take a spectacular cinematic trip across continents and cultures." (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post)
• "This unassuming drama of a nomad family brims with small marvels." (Bill Stamets, Chicago Sun-Times)

The screening will be followed by two more films:

• 7pm: Khamosh Pani (India, 2003)
• 9pm: Arisan! (Indonesia, 2003)

To be informed of upcoming Mongolia-related events, offer suggestions for future activities or receive additional information, please contact Julian Dierkes.

March 2007