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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.

  • Mateo Arango Guerrero
    Director
    Sing Sings - Keepers of the culture
  • Kharakoz Nurbyek
    Key Cast
  • Nurbyek Khovdakhan
    Key Cast
  • Gulmarjyan Ersanat
    Key Cast
  • Kurtsgerel Damiranjav
    Music
  • Budkhand Badrakh
    Music
  • David Alba
    Sound Engineer
  • Nurgabat Khabi
    Production assistant / Translator
  • Maria Masniak
    Voice Over Writer
  • Aizhan Mynbayeva
    Voice Over Artist
  • Mateo Arango Guerrero
    Editor
  • Mateo Arango Guerrero
    Director of photogtraphy
  • Mateo Arango Guerrero
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 10, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    8,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Mongolia
  • Language:
    Kazakh
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • BANFF Mountain Film Festival
    BANFF
    Canada
    November 2, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
    Vancouver
    Canada
    November 18, 2025
    Vancouver premiere
    Best Short Film
  • Pirineos Mountain Film Festival
    Huesca
    Spain
    February 23, 2026
    Spain Premiere
  • London Lift Off
    London
    United Kingdom
    January 15, 2026
    United Kingdom
  • Australian Cinematography Society Awards
    Melbourne
    Australia
    November 4, 2025
    Gold - Documentaries, Victorian awards
  • Boulder International Film Festival
    Boulder
    United States
    April 8, 2026
    North America Premiere
  • DocLands
    San Rafael
    United States
    May 1, 2026
Director Biography - Mateo Arango Guerrero

Mateo is a creative storyteller, spending the last 8 years crafting a passion for telling stories with a purpose. He has end-to-end project experience, shooting and editing long and short-format videos. His experience includes documentaries, short films, commercials and more. Mateo will always look for that different angle to tell a story in a more compelling way, evoking a connection with the intended viewer.

Mateo's dedication extends far beyond mere storytelling. He uses his camera to capture the voices of those often unheard, amplifying the narratives of indigenous communities facing marginalization and injustice. His films are not just artistic expressions; they are instruments intended for social change, raising awareness and advocating for the rights and cultural preservation of indigenous peoples worldwide. This can be reflected in his last project 'Sing-Sings, keepers of the culture'

Mateo's work has been showcased in different film festivals around the world, including UK, USA, Australia, Peru, Colombia and more, testifying to how committed he is to his work.

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Director Statement

For me, filmmaking has always been more than just telling a story; it's about wielding a powerful instrument for change. My work with the camera is deeply rooted in capturing the voices of those often unheard, particularly within indigenous communities facing marginalization and injustice.

This documentary is a testament to that commitment. It's not merely an artistic expression; it's designed to be a catalyst. We aim to amplify the narratives that have been silenced, to raise global awareness, and to fiercely advocate for the rights and cultural preservation of indigenous peoples worldwide. My hope is that by bringing these essential stories to light, we can contribute to a more just and equitable future.