If Only I Could Hibernate (2024)

The Regal Cinema’s World Cinema series presents the first Mongolian film to be chosen for the Cannes official selection, If Only I Could Hibernate.

Set in snowy Mongolia, If Only I Could Hibernate is an authentic debut from writer-director Zoljargal Purevdash who grew up in the same impoverished district of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, as her teenage protagonist.

Ulzii, a teenager from a poor neighbourhood in Ulaanbaatar, is determined to win a physics competition to get a scholarship.

His illiterate mother finds a job in the countryside, leaving him and his younger brother and sister in the middle of winter.

Ulzii needs to find ways to keep their yurt warm and look after his siblings while preparing for the national competition.

A French co-production, If Only I Could Hibernate benefits from an impressive score from French musician Johanni Curtet.

This film will be shown in Mongolian with English subtitles.

“There’s an earthy authenticity to Zoljargal Purevdash’s story of a gifted student from a poor family”

The Guardian ★★★★

“This small and intimate Mongolian gem sparkles with the vivacity and authenticity of life”

Filmhounds Magazine ★★★★