Bozeman Magazine

In Mongolia’s coldest valley, horses mean life. But in the Iron Winter, nothing can survive alone. For countless generations, the herders of the Tsakhir Valley have protected their horses from ferocious arctic storms by amassing a giant winter herd, nominating their bravest young men to protect it. The daring tradition served as a brutal coming of age ritual, until five years ago, when under increasing environmental pressure, it abruptly ended. Fearful about the loss of culture, elders soon vowed to revive it. And two young friends were handed the daunting responsibility to not only protect the valley’s herd — but to save its most sacred practice. For four months, the boys battle Mongolia’s deadliest winter on record, testing friendship and faith in a fight to keep 2000 horses alive, and preserve an ancient way of life.

Iron Winter has screened at festivals around the world, winning several awards including the Grand Prize at the recent Banff Mountain Film Festival.

“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. An outstanding cinematic achievement.” Banff Mountain Film Festival

“Director Kasimir Burgess spent months in extreme conditions, in temperatures of minus fifty degrees Celsius, in order to develop a meaningful collaboration with the young herders. He has crafted an epic, spectacular and chilling film about survival, which slowly transforms into a personal and poignant coming-of-age tale about friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle to maintain one’s identity amidst change.” Visions du Réel

“Sensitive…immersive…drinks in the glorious landscape of timeless mountains and endless horizons…effectively highlight[s] both the beauty and the brutality of a nomadic lifestyle increasingly under threat.” Screen Daily

Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the door or before the show online at www.bozemandocseries.org, where you can also buy Season Passes and 7-film punch cards, learn more about the series, and view trailers for upcoming films. The series will continue every other week through April, 2026.