Indigenous Peoples in a Big Country: Kamchatka

Back in 2018, Nikolay Rastorguev Fund launched a project to protect small indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage, Indigenous Peoples in a Big Country: Traditions, Languages, Folklore. The first season focused on the Republic of Altai which resulted in a documentary, a series of educational radio podcasts and a photo exhibition. In 2021, the film crew went on an ethnographic expedition to Kamchatka aiming to cover 8000 km in 52 days. They travelled off-road across the tundra driving all-terrain vehicles to the most remote corners of the peninsula, sailed around Kamchatka by boat, and flew on aeroplanes and helicopters between volcanic hills and steam geysers. A journey into the great unknown of the Kamchatka Peninsula is not complete without getting to know the traditions and customs of its indigenous communities: the Aleuts, Koryaks, Chukchis, Itelmens and Evens — all featured in the film. The film even includes a never-before-shot ancient fiery funeral and the recording of the last native speaker of the Aleutian language in Russia. Indigenous peoples in a Big Country: Kamchatka explores the life and culture of the indigenous population of Kamchatka, providing a glimpse into this extraordinary part of the world to everyone interested.