Camel Caravan

Set during the turbulent 1930s in China’s magnificent southwest, Gao Feng’s "Western" revolves around the lives of the camel men who guarded and transported goods across the Gobi Desert. Master Ge and apprentice Erga face down bandits as Erga falls for the Master’s daughter Hong’er. She, however, is promised to another… Camel Caravan makes stunning use of its one-of-a-kind locations and is masterfully shot by cinematographer Yakov Baihaiti, whose breathtaking work lends the film a poetic, almost mesmerizing dimension.

"My film showcases the customs and beliefs of the people that were the backbone of camel caravans. Along the Silk Road, the camel caravans played a key role in the development of Northwest China. In particular, those living on the eastern edge of this area were especially important. This group had its own unique traditions which evolved into its distinct lifestyle and culture.

In the region where this film takes place, since ancient times, twelve-year-old boys on the verge of manhood practiced archery and wrestling. As they grew up and joined camel caravans, they brought their skills with them. When different camel caravan groups met, their members competed with each other in archery and wrestling and afterwards, expressed their happiness and friendship by getting drunk together… Another key cultural element of this region is ’Hua’er’ singing. The lyrics are sung impromptu and the tunes are ancient and melancholy. I was born and raised in this region and this subject is very near and dear to my heart."—Gao Feng