Alexey Vakhrushev

The history of Russian animated films.

In the frigid waters off of Russia’s Bering Strait, Inuit and Chukchi hunters today still seek out the giant sea mammals that have provided their people with food since time immemorial. It is known, that the whale hunting today is controversial and subject to international criticism and regulations. But the Inuit and Chukchi hunt is permitted by international law because of the whaling is the foundation of their culture and their life. The contemporary story of elders Aleksandr and Aleksei blends seamlessly with that of “the woman who gave birth to a whale” and other ancient myths, told here in vivid animation, in this ongoing struggle for survival and preservation of a traditional lifestyle in one of the most remote places on earth.

72 years have passed as deer herder Vukvukai lives in the depths of Chukotka. He is an old man full of energy and wisdom - the 'real man of the tundra' whose life can not be seen apart from by the deer. His people take care of a huge herd - over 14,000 deer. Their life is a non-stop struggle for survival and well-being in the most harsh weather conditions of Chaun-Chukotka. They deeply believe in the strength of tradition and so succeed in their struggle. The ancient culture of Nomadic Chukchi takes care of them, so they preserve and follow it. As far as it is now - their realm remains stable.

More than 6000 km from the Russian capital. The coast of the Chukchi Sea. The village of Enurmino. Getting here and getting back out is only a miracle. But if you ask questions, where is the real Chukotka after all? – the answer is obvious: here!

The beginning of the 17th century. Northeast of Siberia. A young Eskimo leader, Amikluk (Ermine), must regain his "throne" after the treacherous murder of his father, unaware that he was a guardian between the worlds and restrained the spirits of darkness.