GLOBAL CULTURES: IRON WINTER 31 JAN 2026

Sat 31 January

West Court Jesus College

Join us for a one-off screening of Iron Winter at Jesus College, Cambridge. Following the film, Prajakti Kalra, Researcher for the Cambridge Central Asia Forum, based at Jesus College, will be in conversation with Gerelsuren Ganbold, Chairwoman, Cambridge Mongolian Cultural Society, and Joseph Bristley, Research Associate, Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit (MIASU). Topics of discussion are expected to cover the importance of the horse in national identity, history, urbanisation and the steppe, climate change and its impact on Mongolia and this shared identity. Tickets are available below.

IRON WINTER 2025, 89 mins (12A)

Directed by: Kasimir Burgess

Saturday 31 January @ 2pm
(introduction by Nicole Lee, Co-President, Film@Jesus, and post-screening discussion led by Prajakti Kalra, Researcher, Cambridge Central Asia Forum)

In Mongolia’s coldest valley, horses mean life. But in the Iron Winter, nothing can survive alone. For countless generations, the herders of the Tsakhir Valley have protected their horses from ferocious arctic storms by amassing a giant winter herd, nominating their bravest young men to protect it. The daring tradition served as a brutal coming-of-age ritual, until five years ago, when, under increasing environmental pressure, it abruptly ended. Fearful about the loss of culture, elders soon vowed to revive it. And two young friends were handed the daunting responsibility to not only protect the valley’s herd — but to save its most sacred practice. For four months, the boys battle Mongolia’s deadliest winter on record, testing friendship and faith in a fight to keep 2000 horses alive, and preserve an ancient way of life.

About Prajakti Kalra

Prajakti Kalra is a Research Officer with the Cambridge Central Asia Forum. She was an affiliated lecturer in the Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge until October 2023. She was working on the RCUK-funded GCRF COMPASS grant as an Events and Communications Officer in the Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge until 2021. She worked in the Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge as the MPhil Coordinator and Lead from 2021-2024. She is currently the Research Networks Manager in Wolfson College, where she is responsible for the intellectual programme of the College. She plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the college’s research initiatives.

Cost: £10+