One thing is certain: Alexei Volkov and Baikal Films have achieved something rare. They have created a film that the internet cannot stop debating. And now that the version is officially out, there is no excuse for watching the grainy, incorrect, unapproved versions.

: A poetic coming-of-age film by Duman Birleskhan, adapted from a Kazakh folk tale, focusing on a boy's transition to adulthood in northern Xinjiang. Little Warriors (2017)

Beyond the physical training, the "Little Warriors" series explores the spiritual and philosophical foundations of the Baikal people. The films highlight the importance of respect for nature, the wisdom of elders, and the collective responsibility of the community. Through interviews with tribal leaders and the children themselves, the audience gains a deeper understanding of the "warrior" ethos—it is not about aggression or conquest, but about the inner fortitude required to protect one’s heritage and live in balance with the earth.