Ter Chono. A Mongolian Story is a 2022 Romanian historical short film directed by George Dogaru, with a screenplay by Octavian Budica and Răzvan Dutchevichi. The movie stars Christiana Mongol Budica, also known by her stage name “Cristiana Mongol”, who plays the titular character, a Mongol warrior princess.
The action takes place in the 13th century, a period when Mongol hordes dominated more than half of the known world, stretching from southern China to near the borders of Vienna. Against this backdrop, the struggle for power and the ambition of Kublai Khan, Genghis Khan's nephew Genghis Khan's grandson, to subjugate the whole of Asia, drove Mongol generals from the former Dacian territories to retreat to Mongolia. During the retreat, looting and destruction become common practice.
“Ter Chono” has received international acclaim, participating in numerous film festivals and winning the following awards:
- World Premiere at Buffalo International Film Festival, New York, USA (2022)
- Best Short Film at Center Film Festival, Pennsylvania, USA (2022)
- Best Director and Best Actress at Ideal Film Festival, India (2022)
- Best Short Film and Best Actress nominations at various international festivals, including Wisconsin, USA and Vienna, Austria
- 2nd place for Best International Short Film at Nieves Christian Film Festival, Florida, USA (2024)
- Best Editing Award at Ural Shorts, International Short Film Festival, Russia (2024)
"Ter Chono. A Mongolian Story" stands out for its cinematic approach to an era marked by conflict and imperial ambitions, offering insight into the impact of these events on individuals and communities.
