If Only I Could Hibernate (12A)
Directed by Zoljargal Purevdash

WRITER-DIRECTOR Zoljargal Purevdash’s impressive and compelling debut feature gives us a haunting peek into the little-known world of contemporary Mongolian society and its hardships. 

Set in the country’s Ulaanbaatar district, it follows 15-year-old physics prodigy Ulzii (charismatic newcomer Battsooj Uurtsaikh) who is determined to win a national science competition for a scholarship to a prestigious school and his ticket out of his poverty-stricken life.

Unfortunately, his illiterate and alcoholic mother (Ganchimeg Sandagdorkj), unable to find a job locally, is forced to go to the countryside for work and leaves his two younger siblings in his care in their one-room home. 

When the little money they have runs out Ulzii has no option but to sell his prized trainers, which he saved up for, to buy food and fuel including the very coal which is adversely affecting his brother’s health. They all sleep together in the one bed to keep warm and burn cardboard boxes, which they forage from local shops, to heat the place when the coal runs out. 

Inspired by Purevdash’s own experience of leaving Mongolia to study abroad, this powerful drama, set in a bleak and harsh Mongolian winter, shows how the only means to escape poverty is through the power of education. It also explores the country’s air pollution problem and the challenges resulting from fuel shortages. 

With extraordinary performances from the non-professional cast, particularly Uurtsaikh who is mesmerising, the film paints an intimate yet insightful picture of a troubled family struggling to overcome adversity.

As the drama deals with child abuse, alcoholism, depression and mental health issues the overarching message is that poverty is to blame. But — while a neighbour offers the kids help — you ask yourself why aren’t social services or its equivalent stepping in? 

A gentle, subtle and hopeful coming-of-age tale, the film shines an insightful light on this little known part of the world, and Purevdash shows she is an exciting new voice and one to watch.  

Out in cinemas tomorrow.