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Imagine a vocal art where a singer can sing like a mountain. Can sing like a flowing river. Where a singer can even sing like the wind that blows through the steppe... |
Footprints in Mongolia is a creative project and documentary-film which focuses on one of the most unique vocal techniques this world knows. Khoomii, or "throat singing" is a vocal art originated in west-Mongolia.
In a creative documentary film we follow two cousins who walk from the capital of Mongolia to a small village in the west to discover the origin of this vocal art and the culture that surrounds it.
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Although this musical art is closely connected with Mongolian culture, it's traditional sound slowly dissapears with most of it's musicians residing in the capital, experimenting with modern musical influences.
Footprints in Mongolia is a documentary film where we discover and document the authentic sound of Mongolian throat singers sharing their music and personal stories and culture.
Be sure to visit our Facebook page for regular news and updates. |
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The documentary film
title: Footprints in Mongolia
location: Mongolia
year: finished early 2012
length: 60-75 min.
genre: creative documentary
In a creative documentary film we follow two cousins in their 1800 kilometer expedition through west-Mongolia. Their destination is said to be the birthplace of khoomii ("throat singing"). In their expedition they carry an ancient two-stringed instrument which they will share with many musicians they will meet throughour their journey.
one of the most unique and fascinating vocal arts this world knows.
These musicians will be a wide variety of Mongolian people; some of the older generation, some of the young generation. Some very old (retired) and some very young (learning students). This will create a complete view into the story behind this musical art.
These singers will share their personal stories about their music and their songs. We feel it is our job to capture their stories in the purest way as possible, with a creative and cinematic approach. Image is as important as story.
But in the end it is a story about a unique vocal art. This is not just a film for people who love this music, but also a film to show the true beauty of such traditions. This is a film to introduce many new people to the art; to create an awareness and to share the importance of protecting arts such as Mongolian throat singing.
Support our project by donating with Paypal:
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The expedition
location: Mongolia
route: Ulaanbaatar - Chandmani
length: 1600-1800 kilometer
Our project is not an act to prove the harshness of surviving Mongolia as a foreigner. However, walking 1800 kilometers in this country surely is an exceptual act. Although the expedition is an important part of our project, the film will not be about two foreigners walking a long distance in Mongolia. As far as most nomadic Mongolians are concerned, such people are crazy; "They should take a horse", they will probably laugh out loud.
However, we believe that we can not capture the true Mongolian culture if we travel through it by car. |
Therefore, we walk.
Mongolia is divided into 21 "aimag's" (provinces), in our trip we cross 8 of them, starting in Töv aimag (1), in which the capital is located. Later we continue through Övörkhangai aimag (2), Arkhangay aimag (3) Bayankhongor aimag (4), Dzavhan aimag (5), Uvs aimag (6), Bayan Ölgii aimag (7) and finally Chandmani in Khovd aimag (8).
The geography of Mongolia is widely varied with the Gobi Desert to the south and with cold and mountainous regions to the north and west. Much of Mongolia consists of steppes.
Our route is heading towards the far west of the country. This is exactly the area where the origin of Mongolian khoomii is the strongest. |
We pass many places which know an important historical part in the origin of these traditional melodies and sounds.
Finally our destination, Chandmani, is believed to be the birthplace of khoomii. After carrying our instrument, and collecting so many traditional songs and melodies with it, we will gift the instrument to a music teacher in the village. It will be our symbolic gift to protect a beautiful 'cutural hertiage of humanity' (UNESCO 2010).
Read more about our expedition in this digital flyer.
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Enjoy some images and teasers of our first research in west-Mongolia (2009).
Also check out our digital presentation booklet. |
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Association of Khuumei
Art Promotion
(Khöömein Urlagiin Khögjliin Assotsiatsi) The first and only Mongolian organisation focused on the art of khoomii. It is their goal to maintain, protect and promote the art, both in Mongolia as well as internationally.
AKAP supports our project in getting in contact with musicians, overall preparations, translations, meetings, etc.
Also check out the official Facebook page. |
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