Darkhan (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Darkhan is a 38-minute Russian documentary set in Myla, a Khamnigan settlement in Buryatia’s Eastern Sayan mountains. It follows Dondok Dorzhiyevich, whose creativity, practical skill and dual role as a darkhan and shaman are connected to the survival of his community in demanding conditions.

Darkhan is a Russian documentary set in the remote ulus of Myla, in the south-west of the Republic of Buryatia. The film focuses on daily life in a Khamnigan settlement where even heating a home can become a serious challenge.

At the center is Dondok Dorzhiyevich, a resourceful figure whose work combines creativity, practical knowledge and spiritual responsibility. The documentary asks how his abilities help the community endure life in the Zakamna region.

Darkhan movie details

Story without spoilers

The film takes place in the mountains of the Eastern Sayan range, where the residents of Myla face difficult living conditions and the constant demands of maintaining life in a remote settlement. Its central subject is Darkhan, whose inventive mind and skilled hands serve the wider ulus.

Darkhan also explores Dondok Dorzhiyevich’s unusual identity as both a darkhan and a shaman. His work includes creating Buddhist ritual objects, bringing together craftsmanship and religious practice within the community’s demanding environment.

What to expect

As a short documentary with a 38-minute runtime, Darkhan offers a focused portrait of place, community life and one individual’s role within it. Its premise points to an observational account of practical survival in a harsh landscape, alongside an exploration of traditional craftsmanship and Buddhist ritual work.

The setting in Buryatia and the film’s attention to a Khamnigan settlement provide the cultural and geographic context for the story. The supplied information presents the documentary as grounded in everyday challenges rather than as a conventional fictional narrative.

Cast and creative team

Darkhan is directed by Vladimir Ponomarev, Alexey Lagerev and Daniil Balushkin. The screenplay is credited to Larisa Ardaeva and Vladimir Ponomarev. No cast members are listed, consistent with the film’s documentary format.

Release and production context

Darkhan is a 2026 documentary from Russia, spoken in Russian. It has a listed release date of September 15, 2026, and a runtime of 38 minutes. The production company is FSRC. The film is set in the south-west of the Republic of Buryatia, in the Eastern Sayan range, although its production country is Russia.

Production companies: FSRC

Movies Dock view

With its short format and specific regional focus, Darkhan presents a portrait of life in a remote Buryat settlement through the work and identity of Dondok Dorzhiyevich. Its subject connects material survival, skilled making and Buddhist ritual practice without moving beyond the documentary’s stated setting and premise.

Film data:
TMDB