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About the Film

Mongolia is home to an estimated 250 Kazakh eagle hunters, heirs to a tradition passed down from their Turkic and Mongol forebears dating back to the 15th century. Once considered a vital survival skill, with its reliance on thick animal fur coats for harsh mountain winters, eagle hunting has gradually faded into obscurity in today’s world. The recent emergence of cultural tourism has sparked renewed interest in this ancient practice as a source of income. Yet, cultural tourism presents a dual challenge for the preservation of age-old traditions, requiring Kazakh eagle hunters to navigate its complexities while striving to maintain the authenticity of their heritage.

“Golden Skies” is a captivating character-driven documentary that delves into the lives of two adult cousins and two teenagers, each drawn to eagle hunting for distinct reasons. Seka, a 22-year-old inheritor of revered skills from his legendary Kazakh eagle hunter father, Shaimurat, with aspirations to follow in his father’s footsteps as a champion of the Eagle Hunter Festival; Khoz, a 31-year-old teacher and mother of three, Seka’s cousin, seeking to learn eagle hunting to enrich her tourism business; Ay-Moldir, a 13-year-old girl and Akhilbek, a 16-year-old boy, who recently clinched the gold and silver medals, respectively, at the prestigious Golden Eagle Festival 2023. “Golden Skies” delves deep into the contemporary lifestyle of these Kazakh eagle hunters, illuminating their relentless efforts to preserve their ancient culture amidst the challenges of modernity.

“Golden Skies” aims to capture the perspectives of both young and old generations, authentic and imitative hunters, as well as male and female hunters. It will explore how they confront the challenges they face, diverging onto different paths while striving to reconcile and unite their community towards a common beneficial goal. Throughout, “Golden Skies” bears witness to their ongoing struggle to strike a delicate balance between embracing modernity and preserving the authenticity of their cultural heritage.

Rated: PG
Release Date: TBA

Our Team

Dr. Kah-Wai Lin

Executive Producer

Dr. Kah-Wai Lin, a New Jersey-based photographer, documentary film producer, and conservationist, holds both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees and has previously served as a research scientist at Princeton University. Dr. Lin’s impact on the realm of photography is profound. His extensive portfolio encompasses over 100 photo workshops, presentations at more than 300 seminars worldwide, a social media following exceeding 300,000, and a collection of over 200 global awards, establishing him as a prominent figure in his field. Notable accolades include clinching 1st place at the International Photography Award in 2015 and being named among the top 10 exhibitors globally by the Photographic Society of America (PSA) in both 2015 and 2016. In 2016, Dr. Lin received the prestigious title of Artist-in-Residence of the US National Park. Additionally, Dr. Lin is deeply involved in documentary film production focusing on the conservation of both cultural heritage and nature. As an avid conservationist, he actively engages in efforts to protect nature and wildlife. In recognition of his contributions to the photographic community, Dr. Lin has been awarded the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by a US Member of Congress.

Xiaoyu Yang

Executive Producer, Director

Xiaoyu Yang is a New York-based filmmaker who is deeply committed to exploring feminist themes, cultural experiences, and powerful visual storytelling that resonates with audiences on an emotional level. With over a decade of experience in the video post-production process, Xiaoyu honed her skills as a quick and imaginative editor, mastering the art of video editing long before the digital era. After being captivated by the filmmaking techniques and environment in the US, Xiaoyu pursued her dream of becoming a filmmaker and earned her Master of Fine Arts in filmmaking from the City College of New York. Her directorial debut, a feature-length biographical documentary, garnered seven awards, including Best Director and Best Documentary, in the International Independent Documentary Award. Xiaoyu’s talent and dedication have been recognized with numerous awards, including Best Director from the ACA for “Best Asian Director” and a BAFTA New York Scholar recognition. She is a versatile filmmaker, skilled in directing, video editing, and screenwriting in bilingual. With a proven track record of successfully handling projects of all budgets, Xiaoyu’s latest conceptual commercial short film collaboration with Nisi earned her the Best Editing and Sound Design award, showcasing her unparalleled fearlessness and determination. Xiaoyu has a well-developed level of proficiency in directing, video editing, and screenwriting in bilingual and has a successful track record of managing projects of various budget sizes.

Lee Zhang

Cinematographer, Co-Director

Lee Crynma Zhang is an experienced cinematographer and producer who has worked on various projects, including narrative, documentary, commercial, and new media. With almost a decade of experience in the film and digital video industry, Lee is known for delivering exceptional cinematography that captures the essence of the story. For Lee, the cinematography is a collaborative art form that requires creative minds, technical expertise, problem-solving, and ingenuity. He approaches each project with respect for the director’s vision, providing them with the creative space they need to bring their ideas to life on the screen. As a proficient user of almost all professional cameras on the market, Lee is comfortable working with a full-scale crew or a dynamic duo. He is always ready for the next creative challenge and thrives under pressure. Born into a multi-ethnic melting pot, Lee has been exposed to different cultures, arts, styles, and perspectives from an early age. This upbringing instilled in him a love for diversity and an appreciation for working on films with vastly different cultural backgrounds, techniques, formats, and aesthetic perspectives. Through the years, he has been challenged, awakened, and inspired by these diverse cinematographic styles, learning something new from every piece he has worked on. Lee’s confident and assertive demeanor and his passion for cinematography have earned him a reputation as a go-to cinematographer and producer in New York City. He continues to grow and learn as a creative every day, committed to delivering exceptional work that leaves a lasting impact on his audience.