Zoljargal Purevdash's debut film, If Only I Could Hibernate become the first Mongolian  film ever to premiere at  the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

The film, narrating this gripping story of resilience and hope amidst the harsh winters and toxic pollution, premiered at the Cannes Official Selection.

"As you can see in the movie, the air pollution is crazy in Mongolia,” said The Naked Bulb director. 

The Mongolian filmmaker further said, "every winter you have to breathe it in, and the kids are also breathing it in, and have heavy metals running through their blood. But the solutions people are coming up with are total nonsense. They’re talking about using refined coal when they should be installing solar panels.” 

 If Only I Could Hibernate sheds light on the urgent need for change and equal opportunities for all children.  

The film revolves around a teenager named Mongolia who strives to win a physics competition and secure a scholarship. 

His life takes a  major  turn after his mother leaves for a job in the countryside, leaving him and his siblings to fend for themselves. 

While Mongolia boasts a thriving local film industry, churning out approximately 40-60 films a year, Purevdash opted for children from the yurt district instead of seasoned child actors to ensure authenticity.  

“We did a casting call and I chose kids with characters similar to the script. I told them why I wanted to make this film, and these kids are so honest and pure, they can see what’s happening around them, and wanted to help me tell this story,” reported via Deadline.

The kids are now flying into Cannes ready to grace the red carpet for the highly anticipated premiere of the film in the esteemed Un Certain Regard section.

 Battsooi Uurzaih, Nominjiguur Tsend, and Tuguldur Batsaihan shine as the film's main stars, with Amygdala Films and Purevdash's Urban Factory Production coming together to produce this remarkable cinematic creation.