Summary
In a remote village in the Tyva Republic in southern Siberia (Russia), Vera, a Russian shaman carries on the local religious traditions as part of a shamanic association called “The Three Summits”. She heads this association together with Baazan the widow of the late shaman grand master Kyrgys Huurak whose disciple Vera was, alongside with Anya who manages day-to-day business.
Besides the main rituals performed in a shamanic outfit, the film follows Vera in her daily tasks, especially during private counselling. She performs divinations, purifications and several curing rituals, but most of the time listens to her patrons and provides advice, under the close scrutiny of Baazan, acting as the guarantor for the respect of traditions and ritual rules. In a context of great change, power struggles and competition with other religions like Buddhism, the three women strive to keep their association afloat.
Besides the main rituals performed in a shamanic outfit, the film follows Vera in her daily tasks, especially during private counselling. She performs divinations, purifications and several curing rituals, but most of the time listens to her patrons and provides advice, under the close scrutiny of Baazan, acting as the guarantor for the respect of traditions and ritual rules. In a context of great change, power struggles and competition with other religions like Buddhism, the three women strive to keep their association afloat.
