Since the 1990 Democratic Revolution, Mongolia’s film industry has transformed from a single state-run studio into a vibrant, non-studio creative ecosystem. Today, all Mongolian film production operates under this non-studio model, with dozens of private studios and production houses driving the country’s cinematic growth.

• Today, we share UNESCO’s new research on the status of film artists in Mongolia.

🌏 Global Exposure on the Rise

Mongolian films are making their mark internationally, participating in 79 global festivals. So far, 11 short films have won awards, while 23 documentaries and 50+ features have competed on global stages. The industry includes 80 active studios, 15 cinemas (9,368 seats), 8 streaming platforms, and 700 professionals, producing about 60 domestic films annually.

💰 Tight Budgets, Growing Returns

Despite limited resources, Mongolia’s film production is becoming more commercially viable. The average film is produced on a budget of around ₮100 million, while historical and co-produced titles can reach ₮200 million. With strong management and market awareness, final revenues combining theaters, IPTV, and television can reach ₮300–₮400 million, according to industry data.

⚠️ Lessons from a Missed Opportunity

The lack of infrastructure once cost Mongolia major investment. In 2014, Netflix evaluated Mongolia as a potential location for Marco Polo but ultimately chose Kazakhstan due to inadequate technical equipment and legal frameworks, an opportunity worth $26 million in economic impact.

• Since then, several international projects have filmed in Mongolia, including South Korea’s Crash Landing on You and parts of the recent Chinese production Harbin, signaling growing confidence in Mongolia’s landscapes and production potential.

A major turning point came with the adoption of the Law on the Promotion of Cinema in 2021. The legislation established a clear legal environment for foreign film productions and introduced 30%–45% tax rebates for projects spending over $500,000 in Mongolia. The law also created a K4 visa category for foreign filmmakers, allowing stays of up to 30 days for cultural, artistic, and film-related work. Citizens from countries listed under Mongolia’s e-visa program can now easily obtain this visa, simplifying logistics for international crews.

Thanks to this framework, Mongolia is attracting growing international interest. Between August and December 2024, the Film Council issued permits to 9 companies from 6 countries, generating up to ₮270 million locally. From Mongol Kino to today’s independent scene, Mongolia’s film industry is preserving cultural identity while boosting international collaboration and the creative economy.