26/10/2025
IMFF 2025 OFFICIAL SELECTION
THE SHAMAN AND DROPOUT PSYCHOLOGIST
Directed by Frances Ulman
Country of Origin: Mongolia, United States
Runtime: 01:32:56
Synopsis: Filmed in Mongolia, this documentary is an intimate portrait of an elder female shaman named Altantsetseg. We have rare, complete access to be with Altantsetseg as she prepares for, and goes into a shaman's trance. Much of what is known about shamanism focuses on objects and rituals, because that is all the uninitiated can see. But shamans see with much more than their eyes alone. Many sacred healers within indigenous and native communities are still following the ways of the ancestors. Uniquely, this film was written and directed by first time filmmaker Frances Ulman, who is also an initiated shaman, and a mentee of Altantsetseg. Previously Frances was a clinical psychologist in the USA, but left it all behind when the spirits called her onto her path. This is a film about a shaman, directed by a shaman. The close, personal relationship between these two women from different parts of the world is the alchemy of the film. It allows us into spaces within shamanism others have not brought to the screen. The weaving of similarities and profound differences between Altantsetseg and Frances emerges as an exploration of shamanism and much more. We see decolonisation as an action, the power of relationships, the wisdom of a living drum, myths of western psychology, and ways of balancing living sacredly with cellphones. Living in a world that doesn't always remember, here we are shown a way home to our hearts.
This film was made following the Shaman 95 Filmmaking Manifesto:
“This film is a living being. The film creates itself.”
• No pre-filming script
• No second takes
• No alteration of light and sound beyond what is natural, or already present on location
• No outsider film crew: All filming is done by those who are also on camera participating in the actions captured on film
• No false relationships: The main people on screen have longstanding and genuine relationships with each other off screen
• No false situations or reenactments: All situations, actions, and objects are part of the regular life of a shaman and those in community with shamans
• No pretending that humans made this film alone
