Alegra Ally

Documentary photographer and anthropologist Alegra Ally travelled to the Yamal Peninsula in the Russian Arctic during the last months of 2016 to study and document the Nenets way of life. For thousands of years, indigenous Nentsy have lived nomadic lifestyles herding reindeer across this peninsula. Lena’s family is one of 12,000 Nentsy still migrating the same routes as their ancestors did for centuries. By following the Khudi family, New Path opens a window on Nenets life today, highlighting how they have adjusted to modern life, and how their culture evolved in light of recent resource extraction developments, globalization, climate change – factors which sometimes enrich but also threaten their collective identity. Alegra’s journey takes a dramatic turn as Lena prepares to give birth while the family needs to continue their annual winter migration in order to ensure the future of their herd of 800 reindeer. The birth saga becomes emblematic of the struggle for survival of the Nenets culture. Since 2014, Alegra Ally has dedicated her work to the Wild Born Project. Through film, photography and writing, this project documents the ancient ways, intimate ceremonies and sacred rites surrounding childbirth amongst tribal women. To learn more about the project please visit www.alegraally.com and www.wildbornproject.com