The inaugural Kharkhorum International Film Festival is set to open on December 7 in Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar. The festival is organized in collaboration with the Film Bridge Development Association and the Mongolian National Film Commission. Oscar-winning director Malcolm Clarke will serve as the Jury President, with South Korean actress Kim Hye-na and Mongolian film producer Uranchimeg Nansal joining him as jury members.

In 2023, the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the film festival has chosen "Human Rights" as its central theme. On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the festival will host a public forum titled "Human Rights in Film."

The film selection for the festival will also focus on themes of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination. A total of 22 films will be screened, including 10 feature films and 4 documentaries that are competing in the festival. Malcolm Clarke's documentary "Hong Kong: Rashomon" will be featured in a special non-competition screening.

The festival is named after Kharkhorum, aligning with the organizers' vision of making the festival a hub for filmmakers worldwide. "Kharkhorum is now a tourist destination with ancient city ruins, rather than a populous city," said the festival organizer, Tsogo. Kharkhorum was the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and is located 350 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar.