Iron Winter
The Banff Centre ~ Margaret Graham Theatre
Join us for a special screening of Iron Winter, winner of the Grand Prize at the 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
Iron Winter
(Australia, 2025, 101 min) – PG
Director: Kasimir Burgess
Producer: Repeater Productions, Chris Kamen, Ben Golotta, Morgan Wright, Enebish Sengemugaa
In Mongolia’s frigid Tsakhir Valley, where horses symbolise survival, the ancient tradition of winter herding faces its greatest challenge. Young Batbold, 18, is thrust into the spotlight as he and his friend Tsaaganna are entrusted with safeguarding a herd of 3,000 horses during the deadliest winter on record. With the future of their community at stake, Batbold must confront his fears and insecurities while grappling with the weight of tradition.
“Two young men confront the harshest of winters with 3,000 horses—their task: to safeguard both their herd and their ancestral traditions. As modern life encroaches upon age-old ways, this film draws us into the intimate world of two Mongolian herders braving relentless cold and prowling wolves in a stark, unforgiving landscape. Crafted with gentle precision and stunning imagery, the story grips viewers, urging reflection on climate change, migration, and the resilience of culture at civilization’s edge. For this outstanding cinematic achievement, the grand prize is awarded to Iron Winter .”
– Subina Shrestha, 2025 Jury Member