Darkhan 2026

Directed by Vladimir Ponomarev

In the mountains of the Eastern Sayan range, in the south-west of the Republic of Buryatia, lies the ulus of Myla. Life here is a constant struggle. From something as basic as heating one's home, the struggle extends to every aspect of life in this small Khamnigan settlement. How do Darkhan's creativity, inquisitive mind, and gifted hands help the entire ulus survive in the harsh conditions of Zakamna? And what philosophy allows Dondok Dorzhiyevich to reconcile the seemingly irreconcilable - being both a darkhan and a shaman who creates Buddhist ritual objects?