Taskovski Films has secured the world rights to the Danish documentary 'Daughter of Genghis,' produced by Andreas Dalsgaard for Elk Film. The film, the debut feature of award-winning photo-journalists Kristoffer Juel Poulsen and Christian Als, is set to premiere in the F:ACT competition section of the prestigious international documentary festival CPH:DOX in Copenhagen.
The documentary explores global extremism, focusing on emotional dynamics and pathways to radicalization. Against the backdrop of Mongolia's struggle for sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions, the film highlights the resilience of its main character, Gerel Byamba.
The extensive filmmaking process involved multiple trips between Denmark and Mongolia, resulting in over 200 hours of footage captured by two cameras. The project began in 2015 with a research trip to Mongolia to investigate the rise of right-wing extremism in the country and place it within a global context.
The film centers around Gerel, the charismatic leader of the ultra-nationalist female-only movement Gerel Khas. As she navigates challenges such as combating prostitution, dealing with the influence of neighboring China, and raising her son Temuulen, Gerel's complex character unfolds on screen.
Producer Andreas Dalsgaard was drawn to Gerel's story due to the inconsistency between her vision and actions. The documentary captures Gerel's transformation as she renounces violent methods, confronts past traumas, and embarks on a journey of self-acceptance.
The filmmaking team's collaboration with anthropologist Elizabeth Fox, who served as translator and line producer, was crucial to the project's success. The film's observational cinematic technique, facilitated by two cameras, allowed for natural conversations and intimate encounters with Gerel.
'Daughter of Genghis' aims to challenge stereotypes about Mongolia and offers a contemporary narrative that delves into the complexities of nationhood in a modern context. The documentary also serves as a platform to engage in discussions about nationalism, extremism, and violence from a human perspective.
In addition to 'Daughter of Genghis,' Taskovski Films will present Nemanja Vojinovic's 'Bottlemen' in CPH:DOX's Highlight section, showcasing a diverse range of compelling documentaries.
