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Deep Dive: Atlan (2015)

Film Lens

Atlan
In 'Atlan', the documentary focuses on the role of horses in the lives of Iranian Turkmen, particularly in the Turkmen Sahara region of northeastern Iran. The film follows Ali, a Turkman who is preparing for his wedding while also participating in traditional horse racing events known as courses. These races serve as crucial social gatherings that reflect the community's identity and cultural heritage. The term 'Atlan' translates to 'mount a horse and depart' in Turkmen, emphasizing the importance of horses in their culture. The film captures the deep bond between the people and their horses, intertwining personal aspirations with cultural traditions during a pivotal time in Ali's life.

Why Watch

  • Meet Ali, a Turkman facing high stakes in horse racing.
  • See traditional horse racing events that shape community identity.
  • Find out how horses are central to Turkmen culture.

Did You Know

'Atlan' was directed by Moein Karrimoodini in 2015.
The film has a duration of 62 minutes.
The tagline of the film states, 'A Turkman without a horse is not a Turkman.'
The documentary is set in the Turkmen Sahara region of northeastern Iran.

Perfect For

Horse racing enthusiastsCultural documentary fansTurkmen heritage followers