Women’s empowerment meets Mongolian mysticism in “Where the mountain women sing», a revolutionary feature film from director Zhang Juefang which arrives at the Tokyo deficit financing market with 60% of its $800,000 budget secured. The project market is part of TIFFCOMthe content market allied to the Tokyo International Film Festival.

The film follows Stéphanie, a documentary filmmaker who discovers a remote Mongolian village ruled by female shamans. Although initially drawn to this seemingly utopian matriarchy, she discovers disturbing traditions involving obligatory motherhood and forbidden romance, leading to a moral crisis that challenges her understanding of power and her beliefs.

“The genesis of ‘Where the Mountain Women Sing’ is deeply personal,” says Zhang. Variety. “Growing up with the folklore and shamanic traditions of northern China, I have always been fascinated by the tension between the mystical and the everyday, the ancient and the modern. »

Zhang presents the project as a feminist thriller that examines how tradition can both liberate and constrain. “Even though the village appears to be a utopia where women hold power, it is also a place where they are still bound by invisible chains: the rules of the Mountain God, societal pressures and ritual customs that control their destiny,” she explains.

Seasoned Taiwanese producer Patrick Mao Huang boarded the project, citing its “unique blend of mysticism and modernity” as a key appeal. “The remote Mongolian setting and cyberpunk aesthetic make this a visually innovative project with strong festival potential,” notes Huang. The director’s proof-of-concept short film has already demonstrated her ability to bring this ambitious vision to life.

The production team, which includes When Pigs Fly Films, Huang’s Flash Forward Entertainment and 70 Steps, plans to film during the 2025 snow season. It is currently looking for additional co-producers, financiers, distributors and an international sales company.

“Ultimately, I want ‘Where the Mountain Women Sing’ to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that resonates with audiences on many levels. It’s not just about one woman’s journey; it’s about women’s collective struggle against systems that seek to define and limit them,” says Zhang. “By blending the beauty of the Mongolian landscape with a strange and mystical atmosphere, my goal is to create a visually captivating film while delivering a powerful message about the need for personal liberation, self-discovery and cultural preservation.”

Zhang is also developing “When Pigs Fly,” a U.S.-Taiwan co-produced black comedy about Hollywood scams, and “White Island,” a French-Thai feminist horror film exploring neocolonial practices and cult activities.