When you think of a shaman, you think of a grizzled old-timer, dispensing cryptic wisdom to the faithful. But “Grandfather-Spirit” Ze (newcomer Tergel Bold-Erdene) is a 17-year-old high-school student who balances his studies, family obligations, and responsibility of being the shaman for his village in Mongolia.

Ze meets teen client Marala (Nomin-Erdene Ariunbyamba), at a ritual she is reluctantly undergoing to protect her during her upcoming heart surgery and a hesitant but meaningful romance begins. This new relationship makes him question his place in the world and awakens desires in him for earthly pleasures and freedom from the strict rules of his spiritual lifestyle.

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For information on the full BFF23 programme visit: www.belfastfilmfestival.org