The Eagle Huntress
The Eagle Huntress
dir. Otto Bell
United Kingdom / Mongolia / USA, 2016 - 87
It seems impossible to conceive of training wild eagles, with their seven-foot wingspans and razor-sharp talons. Yet the Kazakh people have been doing so for centuries, especially in the Bayon-Ölgii province of Mongolia. They have hunted with eagles since the Middle Ages. They are faithful guardians of a practice that is handed down from father to son. 13-year-old Aisholpan is to become the first female in 12 generations of her family to become an eagle hunter. Her natural gift for understanding and communication allow her to form a lasting bond with the bird, and with her parents’ support, Aisholpan becomes the first girl ever to take part in the Golden Eagle Festival, competing against 70 seasoned eagle hunters.
A unique documentary presenting one of the world's last places where people and nature are one. An audience hit at this year’s Sundance festival.
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