The Mammoths That Escaped the Kingdom of Erlik Khan

This documentary follows Vladik, a young Dolgan reindeer herder, as he faces a pivotal choice in his life. Set against the backdrop of the northernmost part of the Yakut Tundra, the film highlights the tension between traditional values and the allure of financial gain through the hunting of mammoth tusks.

Vladik's father, Roma, embodies the traditional beliefs of their people, urging his son to respect the warnings of their ancestors. As Vladik succumbs to the temptation of the tusk trade, viewers are confronted with questions about the impact of this choice on family dynamics, cultural heritage, and the delicate ecosystem of the Tundra. The film emphasizes the consequences of prioritizing profit over preservation, making it a thought-provoking watch for those interested in environmental issues and cultural narratives.