A starting point for thinking about social issues together
I believe in the power of movies.

Graduate of the School of Integrated Culture, Film Major
Representative and Film Director of AMYGDALA FILMS

Zoljargal Prebdashi

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Air pollution is a serious social problem in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Focusing on the poverty that underlies it, the film "If Only I Could Hibernate," which depicts the problems faced by children, was selected as the first ever Mongolian feature film to be screened in the official section of the Cannes International Film Festival. The film was created by director Zorjargal Prevdaš (hereinafter referred to as Zorjargal). "In the ger district where I used to live, we use coal stoves in the winter. It's the only way to survive the harsh cold. Even though we know it pollutes the air, we have no choice but to do so. To truly solve this situation, improvements in the educational environment are necessary. I wanted to convey this problem to as many people as possible and hopefully find a clue to solving it, so I challenged myself to make my first feature film."

Inspired by the 2017 air pollution protests, she conceived the idea for this film and applied to "Talents Tokyo 2017," a program that nurtures young Asian film directors. She was selected from hundreds of applicants and, after completing the program, won the award that year. "This experience in Tokyo greatly boosted my filmmaking. Looking back, the encounters and experiences I had in Japan have become the foundation of who I am today. In high school, when I dreamed of pursuing a career in film, I learned that Obirin University had a film course and that they were accepting two exchange students from my high school. I was convinced that this was my chance, and I studied hard for the entrance exam. During my time there, I learned from teachers who knew the film industry, and I grew to love movies so much that I couldn't imagine living without them. When I received emails of praise from teachers who had seen this film, I couldn't help but shed tears."

From studying abroad to Talents Tokyo, both were highly competitive paths, but Zorro faced them with determination and achieved his dreams. He will continue to use the power of film to tackle problems in his home country.

Zoljargal's Now & Then

Now
Applying what was learned in filmmaking in Japan in Mongolia. "If Only I Could Sleep" was shot in midwinter temperatures of minus 35 degrees Celsius. Film Major The meticulous shooting plans learned during the era are being practiced in Mongolia. On June 28, 2025, the long-awaited special screening of this film was held at the Hinatayama Campus in Tokyo.

Group photo at the screening — Then
Four years at Film Major, devoted to watching and making films Carrying his mentor's words, "Just watch the best films," he spent his days immersed in movies, watching four films a day in the school's screening room. He was also passionate about independent production. At the special screening, teachers Maruike Osamu Maruike, Makoto Muraishi, and Shinsuke Kubota gathered to celebrate the achievement.

AMYGDALA FILMS Representative and Film Director

Zoljargal Prebdashi

Zoljargal Purevdash

He is originally from Mongolia. In 2008, he enrolled in the Comprehensive Cultural Studies Program, Film Major. After graduation, he worked as a film director in his home country. In 2021, he directed a short film titled 'Stairs,' and in 2023, his first feature film directorial work 'If Only I Could Sleep,' among others. Many of his works address social issues based on raw experiences, and he is challenging social transformation through film.

Information

The movie "If Only I Could Hibernate"

Produced in 2023 (98 minutes). Officially nominated in the "Un Certain Regard" section of the 76th Cannes International Film Festival. Won the Special Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the competition section of the 24th Tokyo Filmex.

Interview date:
For the university's public relations magazine, "JF Oberlin Tokyo No. 14," June 2025.

A starting point for thinking about social issues togetherI believe in the power of movies.

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Zoljargal's Now & Then

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A starting point for thinking about social issues together
I believe in the power of movies.