Yakutian Filmmaker Burnashev Collaborates with American Company on Supernatural Thriller 'Thaw'

In a significant development, Yakutian filmmaker Stepan Burnashev has partnered with American production company Argentic Productions to co-produce the supernatural thriller 'Thaw'. The deal, signed at the American Film Market (AFM), represents what is believed to be the first narrative feature co-production between a Yakut and an American film company.

The mystical story takes place in a remote Yakutian village, where an American filmmaker investigating thawing permafrost gets caught up in a local teenager's shamanic initiation. The film blends documentary-style observation with spiritual and psychological elements, exploring the intersection of climate science and indigenous Sakha beliefs.

Burnashev, a prominent figure in contemporary Yakutian cinema, is known for his atmospheric storytelling that combines modern life with indigenous perspectives. The production plans to assemble an international cast and crew, with a global theatrical and streaming release strategy targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.

Argentic Productions, founded in 2017, focuses on genre content with thematic depth, aiming to challenge audiences' perspectives. "Thaw" is expected to debut at film festivals in the coming years, inviting viewers to see the story's shamanic transformation not as something to drive out, but as something to understand.