‘The Little Horsewhip’ makes Malaysian cinema debut, bringing Xinjiang’s horse culture, Kazakh customs and a boy’s coming-of-age story

Lead character Angsar in ‘The Little Horsewhip’, which showcases Xinjiang’s landscapes and Kazakh customs while exploring themes of ethnic unity, rural development and the preservation of cultural traditions. — Picture courtesy of Click Entertainment

By Ian Jeremiah Patrick

First Published: Thursday, 01 Oct 2026 1:36 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — On the grasslands of Xinjiang, horses are more than animals used for transport.

For generations, they have been part of everyday life, carrying traditions, memories and a close connection between families and the land they call home.

This relationship between people and horses forms the backdrop of The Little Horsewhip, a coming-of-age film that follows young Angsar and the bond he develops with his horse, Flyk.

Beyond Angsar’s story, the film also showcases Xinjiang’s landscapes and Kazakh customs, while exploring themes of rural life and the preservation and passing down of cultural traditions.

Directed by Xinwen Dong and Xiapukati Mulati, the film made its Malaysian cinema debut today, three years after its release in China in 2023.

The film previously received recognition, including the Outstanding Children’s Film Award at the 20th China Huabiao Film Awards and the Best Film Award at the 28th International Children’s and Youth Film Festival.

‘The Little Horsewhip’ producer Li XiaoBing (centre-right) with members of the team behind the film at its press screening at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. — Picture courtesy of Click Entertainment

A cultural bridge between Xinjiang and Malaysia

Speaking to Malay Mail, producer Li Xiaobing, who is also director of the Theory Division of the Publicity Department of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region, said it was meaningful for the film to reach Malaysian audiences.

“The film is like a sincere invitation from Xinjiang, and we hope this screening can serve as a small cultural bridge,” he said.

Set against the Xinjiang grasslands, the film follows Angsar as he grows up surrounded by family and friends, while learning about patience, responsibility and trust through his relationship with Flyk.

Li said the story also offered an opportunity to introduce audiences outside China to the region’s landscapes and cultural traditions through a child’s experiences.

“Although Xinjiang and Malaysia are far apart, we hope Malaysian audiences can see the beautiful grasslands of Xinjiang and experience the genuine warmth of ordinary people’s lives through this child’s story of growing up.

“To see our story cross borders and form an emotional connection with audiences from different cultural backgrounds is something we truly cherish,” he said.

The press screening of ‘The Little Horsewhip’ at Pavilion Bukit Jalil on September 29, 2026. — Picture courtesy of Click Entertainment

The inspiration behind The Little Horsewhip

The film’s depiction of horse culture drew inspiration from the real-life “Equestrianism in Schools” programme implemented in Altay, Xinjiang.

The creative team travelled to local grasslands and horse ranches, where they conducted field visits and spoke to local herders.

They observed children learning to ride horses, taking part in equestrian competitions and caring for their animals — experiences that later informed the film.

“The complete story of Angsar is fictional, but many of the details of grassland life and equestrian traditions portrayed in the film are based on the real-life experiences and observations we encountered firsthand,” Li said.

Traditional clothing, yurts, saddles, horsewhips and carved wooden bowls are also incorporated into the story, while grasslands, forests, rivers and snow-covered mountains provide the backdrop to Angsar’s journey.

Li said the creative team had considered how a story rooted in Xinjiang could connect with audiences from other countries.

While the film carries strong regional characteristics, he said its central emotions were universal.

“The film follows a child as he grows up with the companionship of family and friends, while pursuing his dreams and learning about patience, responsibility and trust,” he said.

Li said audiences from different backgrounds could relate to Angsar’s aspirations, his relationship with Flyk and the challenges he faces while growing up.

“We hope international audiences can see a more complete and vivid picture of Xinjiang.

“At the same time, themes such as children pursuing their dreams, people and animals accompanying and supporting one another, and having respect for nature are emotions that can resonate with people around the world,” he said.

Capturing Xinjiang through all four seasons

Much of The Little Horsewhip was filmed on location in Xinjiang across all four seasons, capturing the changing landscapes of the Altai region, from green grasslands and forests to rivers, villages and snow-covered terrain.

Filming also came with challenges, particularly when working with horses and children amid rapidly changing weather conditions.

The production team had to adapt to the animals’ behaviour and wait for suitable weather rather than expecting nature to follow the filming schedule.

Li said this approach helped the film retain a more natural atmosphere.

He also hoped audiences would look beyond the scenery and understand the relationship between people and horses that remains part of life on the grasslands.

“I hope audiences can understand the kindness, courage and respect for life found among the people of the grasslands, and experience the deep and unique bond between people and horses.

“More than simply remembering the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang, we hope audiences can also feel the simplicity, sincerity and warmth of human relationships on the grasslands,” he said.

At its centre, however, The Little Horsewhip remains a story about a child, a horse and the experiences that shape him as he grows up.

For Angsar, the grasslands become the place where he learns about dreams, friendship and responsibility — with Flyk beside him along the way.

The Little Horsewhip opened in Malaysian cinemas nationwide today.