Award: Documentary Award

Time: October, 2003-January, 2004
Place: Mongolia
Nationality: Kazakhs of Mongolia

Hunting with eagles is an ancient tradition of Mongolian Kazakhs. The birds do not come from breeding farms nor conclude their lives in captivity. It does happen that Kazakhs snatch nestlings, but these birds are not as valued as the wild-captured, mature ones. After five years of service, the eagle is restored to freedom with a guarantee of liberty until the end of its life. The eagle and man somehow yield to this rule. If the eagle returns, no one would be able to retain it.