Kharkhorum International Film Festival 2023 Taking Place

Densmaa 2023-12-08 04:12

Art & Culture

The Kharkhorum International Film Festival (KIFF), organized by the Film Bridge Development Association NGO in collaboration with the Mongolian National Film Council, is taking place on December 7-12

The Kharkhorum International Film Festival (KIFF), organized by the Film Bridge Development Association NGO in collaboration with the Mongolian National Film Council (MNFC), is taking place on December 7 - 12, 2023.

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the KIFF is dedicated to showcasing the finest films centered around human rights and equality. 

Opening the Festival, Minister of Culture Nomin Chinbat stated "Cinematography is a manifestation of freedom of expression. The Kharkhorum Festival is one of the human rights awareness-raising activities to promote understanding and respect for human rights. Additionally, through cinematography, we show that Mongolia is a democratic country that respects human rights at the international level. The Mongolian government approved the Law on the Promotion of Cinematography and established the Cinematography Support Fund, and the MNFC. The Festival serves as a bridge between international and Mongolian filmmakers to realize joint film projects and attract investors. We are working to support national filmmakers and create favorable conditions for filmmaking as we have created a legal framework that allows foreign filmmakers to have a certain percentage of the cost of making the film back. I am confident that the KIFF will expand its scope and become a world-class festival in which artists around the world compete with their talents."

Four Mongolian films are running in tte feature competition: Galbayar Dashkhuu's "Woman's Case"; Battumur Dorj's "Trio"; actor Amarsaikhan Baljinnyam's directorial debut "Harvest Moon", which was submitted as Mongolia's Oscar entry last year; and feature debut of Mongolian filmmaker Baatar Batsukh "Aberrance", which had its North American premiere at SXSW.

A total of 22 films will be screened, comprising 10 in a feature competition section; 4 in a documentary competition; 4 gala screenings; and four out of competition. The KIFF  offers a platform for film artists worldwide to vie for three esteemed awards:

-Best Feature Film: Recognizing excellence in feature-length films.

-Best Documentary: Celebrating outstanding achievements in documentary filmmaking.

-Award of the Respective Topic of the Year: Honoring exceptional work that aligns with the festival's annual theme.