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In cinemas now

If Only I Could Hibernate

Mongolia/France/Switzerland/Qatar 2023
Dir: Zoljargal Purevdash
Cast: Battsooj Uurtsaikh, Nominjiguur Tsend, Tuguldur Batsaikhan
Mongolian / 98 mins

In cinemas 19 April 2024

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When gifted high school student Ulzii unexpectedly wins a local physics competition in Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar, he sees a chance to escape his deprived neighbourhood by competing in the national finals for the chance of a university scholarship. But when his struggling mother returns to the countryside in search of work, he has to balance the demands of looking after his younger siblings during a harsh winter with pursuing his academic dreams. The first Mongolian film to ever play in official selection at Cannes, writer/director Zoljargal Purevdash’s beautifully photographed debut feature is a hope-filled coming-of-age drama about resilience and determination against the odds.

“A tender, truthful tale of resilience in a harsh climate, nurtured with care”

— ★★★★  Total Film

“A technical masterpiece, the brilliance of If Only I Could Hibernate is distilled in none other than its protagonist, Ulzii… This is a story with heart”

— Asian Movie Pulse

“It’s rooted in the political but is never heavy-handed. Puevdash and her cast, particularly charismatic newcomer Batsooj Uurtsaikh in the lead, approach this subject with a gentle touch”

— Screen International

“A candid social drama with a local focus, a universal appeal, and a lot of heart”

— ★★★★  View of the Arts

“Warm, optimistic… It sheds light on a reality virtually never seen in cinema”

— ★★★★  Eastern Kicks

“Director Zoljargal Purevdash combines a personal tale with a socio-ecological subtext of the region with great subtlety and dexterity”

— ★★★★  The Upcoming

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