Review: “Veins of the World” (2020)

Part of my São Paulo International Film Festival movie marathon – Movie #4.

“Veins of the World” is a Mongolian-German co-production, written and directed by Byambasuren Davaa. I had never watched something from Mongolia before, so that is what first drew me to this, and I am so happy it did. This movie is a punch in the gut but not in the way you expect.

It is set in the Mongolian steppes, and the movie does a great job in setting the scene of this beautiful landscape – and our connection to it becomes important too.

It is the story of a 12-year old boy who wants to participate in Mongolia’s Got Talent, at the same time that he suddenly finds himself responsible for his family, following in the footsteps of his father that was fighting massive mining companies that were destroying the livelihood of the nomad people and the beautiful landscapes.

This movie is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, it also comes with a powerful message against the mindless exploitation of land and destruction of natural environments. It’s like an encapsulated, Mongolian Avatar. Time flew by and I was completely invested in the story.