Film Lens

Gathering Firewood follows a group of Nenets women as they gather firewood in the snow-covered tundra of the Yamal peninsula in Western Siberia. The film is part of the Yamal Nenets Series, which captures the daily life of nomadic reindeer pastoralists during the calving period in spring. The footage was collected during a three-month ethnographic fieldwork period in 1999, providing an authentic glimpse into the traditions and practices of the Nenets people.
The film's focus on the specific activity of gathering firewood shows the practical aspects of survival in a harsh environment. It presents the Nenets women's roles within their community and the significance of their work in maintaining their way of life. The documentary serves as a visual record of a culture that is closely tied to the rhythms of nature and the seasonal cycles of reindeer herding.
Why Watch
- •See Nenets women gathering firewood in the tundra.
- •Find out about nomadic reindeer pastoralists' daily life.
- •Meet the Nenets community during the calving season.
Did You Know
•The film was shot during a three-month ethnographic fieldwork in 1999.
•The documentary is part of the Yamal Nenets Series focusing on nomadic life.
•The film has a total runtime of 30 minutes.
Perfect For
Ethnographic film enthusiastsCultural anthropology studentsNature documentary fans