Black Eyes

In Mongolia’s timeless Altai Mountains, Kharakoz, a 13-year-old girl, embodies a captivating blend of ancestral traditions and modern influences. As she learns the ancient art of eagle-hunting, the film delves into the powerful ripple effect of passing this sacred knowledge to girls. It showcases how Kharakoz and others like her aren’t just preserving, but actively invigorating Kazakh culture in the face of rapid change.

Winner of Best Short Film 2026 at VIMFF

DIRECTOR: Mateo Arango
ORIGIN: Australia
YEAR: 2025
DURATION: 18 mins