The Feature-length Live Action International Films section of the festival consists of 23 accepted entries, including “The Children of Genghis” – a production from Mongolia.

It is a 2017 movie, made by the director and screenwriter, Zolbayar Dorj. “The Children of Genghis”  was the very first Mongolian film to be submitted to the Oscars, among the 92 foreign pictures qualified to enter the 90thAcademy Awards; however, it fell short of getting nominated and sequentially, failed to earn the coveted prize.

Featuring a group of non-actors, the movie portrays the Mongolian tradition of horse racing with child jockeys – a sport complementing the other  two ‘Naadam’ manly games of wrestling and archery. Naadam is a festival in Mongolia which represents the nation’s nomadic culture, and provides an outstanding fusion of arts and sports.

It tells the story of two siblings who form a competition in their skills as horseback riders. The younger brother, deemed too inexperienced for the contest, struggles to convince the father to train him. Jealous of his elder, he single-mindedly pursues self-training, soon to learn that love, dedication and trust are all necessary qualities to gain victory.

“The Children of Genghis” has received several international honours such as the Best Cinematography Award in Cathy Pacific Awards, with its Canadian debut at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) gives a 9.3 rating for this Mongolian wonder. It was also screened in the 36th edition of the Fajr International Film Festival.

Presided by Alireza Rezadad, Iran’s 31st International Film Festival for Children and Youth opened on 30 August in the historic city of Isfahan; it will last until 5 September.