The Eagle Huntress

Dir. Otto Bell | USA | 87 min | U

13-year-old Aisholpan has created a stir among the isolated Kazakh tribe, situated in the Altai Mountains, in northwest Mongolia. Rather than conforming to the traditional female roles of milking cows, cooking and cleaning, Aisholpan is determined to follow in her father’s footsteps as an Eagle Hunter, providing for her family and competing in the all-male Golden Eagle Festival. It’s a job that requires a significant amount of time and training. In local circles, this Eagle Huntress’ gender-breaking aspiration is the source of much concern, but this intelligent, determined girl works hard to tame a new eagle, train it and skillfully leads it in a fox hunt. Shot over a 12-month period and narrated/executive produced by Daisy Ridley, this documentary reveals the true beauty of the Altai throughout the year, as we follow a remarkable, empowered heroine making her mark in the world, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Poly volunteer Sarah Hertzog will give a brief introduction to the film on her experience staying with Aisholpan and her family two years ago.