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05.24.2024
The Sales Girl
Directed by
Janchivdorj Sengedorj
When college coed Saruul takes a temporary job as a clerk in an adult store, her poker-faced indifference makes her the perfect foil for the clientele, who range from slightly sheepish and cautiously curious to downright perverse. But it is Katya, the shop's flamboyant, eccentric female owner who initiates Saruul’s journey into adulthood – taking her under her wing, teaching her the art of living, and gently guiding her on the path to self-discovery.
This joyfully quirky, "candid big-city coming-of-age story” (Variety) from Sengedorj Janchivdorj, "one of the best voices of contemporary cinema in Mongolia” (Asian Movie Pulse), is fueled by a splendidly original script, utterly unique characters and unexpected encounters.
Director & Cast
- Director: Janchivdorj Sengedorj
- Starring: Bayarjargal Bayartsetseg
- Starring: Oidovjamts Enkhtuul
Where to Watch
Trailer
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Reviews
- "A coming-of-age tale from Mongolia, “The Sales Girl” is equal parts raunchy and sweet, a film that appreciates sex both for its absurd humor and its revelatory capacities. [It's] mix of fantasy and deadpan realism gives “The Sales Girl” its winning charm and casual profundity."
- "[T]his candid big-city coming-of-age story deserves international exposure. [T]he film shares the slightly edgy but ultimately sentimental vibe of certain underground comics (“Ghost World” comes to mind) or the work of American indie director Sean Baker...."
- "Bayartsetseg Bayangerel in her very first acting role as Saruul is just perfect. Her counterpart Enkhtuul Oidovjamts, in the enigmatic role of Katya, shows her talent and years of experience as a popular theatrical actress giving her character several layers and great depth. All in all, “The Sales Girl” confirms... that director Janchivdorj Sengedorj is one of the best voices of contemporary cinema in Mongolia...."
- "Janchivdorj Sengedorj’s award-winning film is thoroughly enjoyable.... Having directed a variety of genre flicks from the 2011 crime thriller Thief of the Mind to 2017 sports drama White Blessing, Sengedorj now seems to be even more in his element with his mature handling of this winsome sex comedy."
- "Director Janchivdorj Sengedorj has created a masterpiece of Mongolian film with The Sales Girl. "
- "Janchivdorj Sengedorj’s “The Sales Girl” is a wise and winsome coming-of-age story... a searching and heartfelt meditation on the nature of happiness in a world that seldom has much of it to offer. Throw in rich cinematography and a gorgeous indie pop soundtrack by Dulguun Bayasgalan... and you have a memorably wistful tale about the feeling that “life will pass you by while you’re walking around staring at your boots.”"
- "[A]n earnest and moving film about taking agency and ownership of one’s individuality during young adulthood."
- "The Sales Girl is more than merely a sexual coming-of-age tale. It’s a modest rumination on life, our purpose here, and the pleasures we find along the way."
- "Like a Wong Kar-wai film, the narrative is always in service of the character beats set to a memorable soundtrack."
Winner
Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film
New York Asian Film Festival
Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film
New York Asian Film Festival
Winner
Golden Wheel for Best Film
Vesoul Asian Film Festival
Golden Wheel for Best Film
Vesoul Asian Film Festival
Winner
Yakushi Pearl Award
Osaka Asian Film Festival
Yakushi Pearl Award
Osaka Asian Film Festival
Nominated
Mulberry Award for Best Screenplay
Udine Far East Film Festival
Mulberry Award for Best Screenplay
Udine Far East Film Festival
Nominated
Best Film
Bangkok World Film Festival
Best Film
Bangkok World Film Festival
Official Selection
Busan Int'l. Film Festival
Busan Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Minneapolis St. Paul Int'l. Film Festival
Minneapolis St. Paul Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
QCinema Int'l. Film Festival
QCinema Int'l. Film Festival