Pluto Film Takes Reins of ‘To Kill a Mongolian Horse’ Ahead of Venice Premiere: ‘Inspiring Piece of Filmmaking’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed through the labyrinth of global cinema, I must say that “To Kill a Mongolian Horse” by Xiaoxuan Jiang is a captivating tale that resonates deeply with my own journey as an artist. The film’s exploration of the dichotomy between performing a role and seeking one’s true self mirrors my own struggles in finding balance between commercial success and creative fulfillment.


Pluto Films is ready to ride with “To Kill a Mongolian Horse” before its grand unveiling at the Venice Film Festival. Here’s your first look at the preview (up above).

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I’m excited to share my thoughts on a remarkable film directed by Xiaoxuan Jiang. This captivating production, showcased in the Venice Days section, is loosely based on true events surrounding my friend Saina – a courageous Mongolian herdsman who dared to chase her dreams. Saina’s inspiring journey led her from the grasslands to the limelight as the film’s star performer on horseback.

“Prior to embarking on my writing journey, I had already reached a specific point in my filmmaking path. I was pondering about how I could produce the films that resonate with me, while also maintaining a thriving and balanced career,” she expressed to EbMaster.

“A few of my companions have taken up creating ads for financial gain, which has made me familiar with the dilemma of whether to persist in an activity that yields no personal benefit. This internal conflict between feeling compelled to play a certain role and yearning to be authentic – I’ve experienced that as well.”

During her numerous trips to horse shows, she often found herself noticing the strong, masculine vibe that permeated the events, as well as how the performers were frequently objectified or subjected to a voyeuristic, sexualized attention.

“Initially, when I got into these series, I found myself captivated by the behind-the-scenes action. I watched as they donned costumes and applied layers of makeup to transform into these brave characters. This isn’t a spontaneous process; it takes effort and time to put on this ‘armor’.”

As a devoted cinephile, I’d like to share some insights about the film “To Kill a Mongolian Horse,” a collaborative effort between Malaysia, the U.S., Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan. This captivating production was expertly executive-produced by Tan Chui Mui and masterfully produced by Zhulin Mo for Da Huang Pictures.

“Locating the ideal collaborator has proved difficult, yet Pluto Film, with its daring and spirited approach, seems a perfect fit for us. I’m delighted that we’ve crossed paths,” she expressed, emphasizing our independent work style.

“Xiaoxuan Jiang chuckled as he shared how we managed to create this movie despite a shoestring budget. We operated under tight time constraints and with untrained cast members, but it proved to be a smart move. If we wanted a dream sequence set in a snowstorm, we had to wait for an actual blizzard, he admitted. He also mentioned that securing international funding was crucial to our production.”

“Moving forward with upcoming tasks, I prefer maintaining lower budgets. It appears manageable at the moment, and it provides us with greater adaptability.”

Daniela Cölle, Pluto’s managing director and head of acquisitions, commented: “We’re always exploring the global cinema landscape for fresh, compelling voices. This impactful film by a debut director offers a unique female perspective on a story about a man whose life is unraveling. It quickly grabbed our attention.”

Although it’s placed in a “specifically local” context, the film’s story is universal, she noted.

“It’s crucial for everyone impacted by significant shifts in socioeconomic conditions. As ‘To Kill a Mongolian Horse’ makes its festival rounds, we’re determined to pool our resources and ensure this vital film graces both the big and small screens globally. We aim to make sure no one misses out on this inspiring cinematic masterpiece.”

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2024-08-22 19:18