At the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival in Fuzhou, China, the Wolves Documentary Film won the Best Documentary Film award. This recognition highlights the film’s global impact and the rising prominence of international co-productions.
Directed by Australian filmmaker Gabrielle Brady, the documentary tells the story of D. Davaasuren and his family from Buutsagaan soum in Bayankhongor aimag, Mongolia. Severe storms and climate change forced the family to migrate to Ulaanbaatar city, disrupting their nomadic lifestyle. The film explores the values they gained and lost during the migration.
The Wolves Documentary Film is a collaborative effort among Australia’s Over Here production company, Germany’s Chromosom Films, and Mongolia’s Guru Media. Furthermore, partners from the United States, Colombia, and the United Kingdom contributed to production, making it a truly international co-production.
This year, the festival received 2,825 entries from 125 countries. More than 100 films competed in the documentary category, making the Wolves Documentary Film’s win especially competitive and noteworthy. Experts praised the film for its authentic depiction of nomadic life and the pressing issue of climate change.
Moreover, the Wolves Documentary Film has been nominated to represent Australia in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. Beginning in October 2025, the documentary will be broadcast on channels including Univision, DDish, Look, and VOO, expanding its reach to global audiences.
Festival organizers emphasized that the documentary’s success demonstrates the value of cross-border collaboration in filmmaking. They noted that co-productions can bring diverse perspectives together while raising awareness of cultural and environmental issues.
Mongolian producers highlighted that the documentary also preserves the language and traditions of nomadic communities. They stressed that international recognition encourages more local filmmakers to share stories from underrepresented regions.
Industry analysts say the Wolves Documentary Film could inspire additional projects addressing climate change, migration, and cultural preservation. They predict that its Oscar nomination may further boost interest in Mongolia’s creative talent and storytelling potential.
Overall, the Wolves Documentary Film sets a benchmark for international cooperation, cultural storytelling, and global awareness. The film continues to draw attention for its social, environmental, and artistic significance.
