Munkha - Short Film


MUNKHA​​​​​​​ 
synopsys

In the snowy heart of Yakutia little girl Nyukku embarks on her first Munkha, Sakha traditional fishing. Filled with excitement and armed with her "magical" mittens, she dreams of catching a big pile of fish. However, the fishing trip doesn't go smoothly. Guided by her father's wisdom, Nyukku learns a valuable lesson: the true magic lies in the strength of family bonds and mutual support. In the end, the children save the catch together.​​​​​​​


The story centers around Munkha, a major and culturally significant event for Sakha people that highlights our deep ties to nature and the land. We aimed to capture the wonder and magic of experiencing ice fishing for the first time as a child, we infused the story with a sense of innocence and discovery, making Munkha accessible and engaging for all ages. The film not only showcases the beauty of Munkha but also underscores the importance of preserving such traditions for future generations. The storytelling is both a celebration of our heritage and a reminder of the values that bind us together as a community, making Munkha a timeless and cherished part of our identity.


SETTING
​​​​​​​To make the story even more adorable, we created magical forest covered in snow, where snowy bushes look like reindeer horns. A lake covered in snow that makes you think it goes on forever. At the far banks of the lake we placed an old frozen boat, waiting Nyukku to come and weep.


CHARACTER DESIGN
When creating character designs for the short film, we aimed to maintain authenticity in their clothing while achieving a timeless feel. 

For the main character, we went with bold colors and a recognizable cute silhouette to make her stand out. Her furry ears on top complement her fidgety and playful personality, adding a touch of whimsy. She wears fluffy magic mittens adorned with beautifully embroidered golden fish and traditional Sakha ornaments.



SOUNDTRACKS
In this film we collaborated with music band "SOBO", by immersing themselves in narrative they composed original soundtracks with ethnic instruments that perfectly complement the visuals and storytelling, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.





STORYBOARDS

CONCEPTS \ RENDERS


Through authentic representation, we invite our audience to learn and appreciate our cultural background. These films become a bridge, connecting generations and sparking conversations about our shared experiences, values, and histories. By celebrating our heritage on screen, we contribute to a richer, more inclusive cultural landscape.

Munkha - Short Film
Published: