Looking China series: The Horse Land

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Looking China is a short film series made by a group of young film directors from over 20 countries. They traveled to various places across China, making films and exploring Chinese culture with the help of students from local universities.

Horses are an indispensable part of Mongolian culture. /Looking China screenshot

“The Horse Land”, directed by Dmitry Konoploy from Tel Aviv University in Israel, tells stories from three herdsmen living in Wushen Banner, who try their best to preserve the Mongolian horse culture in different ways.

Bohyoo teaches youngsters how to ride, breed, protect and respect horses. /Looking China screenshot

Bohyoo, a herdsman who has had more than 30 horses in his life, considers the animals to be his family members. Horses mean a lot to Mongols’ life, so now he is attempting to pass the horse culture to younger generations to preserve a culture on the edge of extinction.

Hesigdalaii considers saddle-making to be his life. /Looking China screenshot

Hesigdalaii, 73, is a saddlery craftsman. Even though saddle-making is holy to Mongols, these skills are endangered by the rapid development of modern transportation. He is determined to continue making saddles in order to leave a legacy for future generations.

When Erdemtegus is with his horse, he feels his life becomes meaningful. /Looking China screenshot

Since 49-year-old herdsman Erdemtegus was little, horses have had a special place in his affections. Six years ago, he began working to create the Mongolian horse museum. Nowadays, he is very proud that the population of horses has increased a little during the past few years.

The harmony between mother nature, humans and horses is the way to eternity. /Looking China screenshot

Their contributions to preserving and inheriting traditional ethnic culture show the deep emotional connections between Mongolians and horses. The film ends in clarifying the harmony between mother nature, humans and horses, which leads us to think deeply about the preservation of Mongolian horses and horse culture.

Looking China is a short film series offering a glimpse of China through the lens of 20 foreign filmmakers. We will be sharing their stories in the coming days and weeks.