The films of our sponsor
Interview of Byambasuren Davaa for Actions Mongolie, recorded on March 12th 2006
1. The story of a weeping camel, your first film, was a study work for your film scholarship you followed in Munich. It’s been released all over the world, ending with a nomination at the Oscars’ ceremony in the best documentary category. What does a young girl from a nomadic family feel when she is distinguished by Hollywood?
A country of nomads, its culture, and its population have been recognised by others thanks to a documentary film. A new world opened to a majority who, until then, was ignoring its existence. To me, it represents a great honour.
2. What countries have been the most sensible to this universal story? How many people in the world watched the film?
I don’t know the precise numbers. The film is still diffused and the statistics are regularly changing. The yellow dog just began an international “tour” and is very welcomed everywhere. In some countries such as France, Japan or the Netherlands, “The cave of the Yellow Dog” even overtook “The story of the weeping camel”. We will soon get the statistic reports.
3. After this adventure, you went into “The cave of the Yellow dog”. What details have changed to you between both of these films?
The camel was – to me – a testing-film. Its success was a real surprise. Afterwards, I wanted to stop my studies as soon as possible. The dog had to be my end-of-studies film. I had no more ambition. His welcoming is also a great surprise and this makes me feel really delighted. It seems the public likes this film too. After The camel, I remained a student in the film domain. Now, after the dog, I am a real directress in “free-lance”. I have lost a bit of self-confidence.
4. In this film, you describe the life of a nomadic family. What is, in your opinion, the future of this lifestyle? Can this lifestyle continue in Mongolia even if the attraction for the young generations to the city and its comfort? And what conditions?
Everyone knows that this lifestyle can’t endure. Lots of nomads lost their herd because of climatic changes, because of harsh winters and summers. They lost their key of existence. They have to look for happiness in town. I think that within twenty years, there would be no more authentic nomads in Mongolia, like those I showed in my films. To survive as a breeder, they will need to be equipped with computers, cars and all that goes with them. Life keeps changing.
5. This film has just been released in France, the critic is very positive. What would you like to say to the French spectators about this film?
I have nothing to say. I am just very happy this film had so much success in France. In fact, I may have a little thing to say: I would like to wish the audience a very good journey to the distance. Every spectator has to get his own conclusions from my films for his private life.
6. Among the important persons, the French artists that you know: Which ones would you like to meet? With whom would you like to work? Who would you like to invite in Mongolia?
Every human being is, in one way or another, an artist. Things happen alone with the meetings and the instants. And I will invite no one I know personally.
7. What are the major needs of the nomads, how can we help them? According to you, what is the best way to help them get better health?
On that point, I will remain quiet: You are obviously more experienced than me!
8. Let us come back to the cinema. After these two films, what are your projects?
I have no plans. Things will happen in their time.
We will let you have the last word. We are very pleased and proud that you are our sponsor.
I am sorry for having been that long! I am glad this association is working well.
Yours sincerely,
Byamba.