Mongolian Bling
What happens when western influence meets eastern tradition, well you get Mongolian Hip hop. Australian Documentary filmmaker Benj Banks has unearthed a thriving musical scene that few knew existed in his film Mongolian Bling.
After visiting Mongolia as a volunteer years before Benj recalls “arriving in Ulaanbaatar expecting nomads and herders and instead found hip hop and break dancers which just caught me off guard”. He returned to further explore and film the scene.
Mongolian Bling primarily follows three differing hip hop artists. Just like the music itself the film also shines a light on the social and political conditions in Mongolia. However it is the celebration of history and tradition included that is most refreshing from an audience point of view. The musical youth of Mongolia are not motivated by “big cribs and cars” but by educating and celebrating the past.
An accomplished film on a world that few knew existed.
3/5
Brendan Modini
