This symphonically-paced motion poem masterpiece is hewn from the legacies Tarkovsky, Kurosawa and Kieslowski (and, for good measure, a dollop of Herzog and a dash of the Kaurismaki brothers.) – G.R. Mongolian herder families struggle to maintain their health and spirits in the face of forced relocation to mining compounds under the premise of a phony governmental “animal plague.” Meanwhile a young man, Bagi (Batzul Khayankhyarvaa) develops spiritual relationships with young Zolzaya (Tsetsegee Byamba) and an elder shamaness (Tserendarizav Dashnyam). The film’s climax is feverish in its rage against injustice and oppression. Startlingly similar in situation to the documentary American Outrage, which is also being screened at this year’s Festival.

(Belgium, 2006, 101 min., in Mongolian with English subtitles.) – D.B.