Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 14: Nepal has officially selected Tibetan-language film “Shambhala” as its official submission for the 97th Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars. Directed by Nepalese filmmaker, Min Bahadur Bham, the film features a predominantly Tibetan cast, marking a milestone for both Tibetan and Nepali cinema on the global stage.
The film first garnered international attention at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, premiering in the Main Competition on February 23 at the Berlinale Palast. Shambhala also earned the Best Cinematography award at the 2024 Bishkek International Film Festival in Kyrgyzstan. Its lead actor, Thinley Lhamo, a Tibetan refugee, received the prestigious Boccalino d’Oro Prize for Best Acting Performance at the 77th Locarno Film Festival.
Filmed entirely in Tibetan, the story revolves around Pema, played by Thinley Lhamo, a pregnant woman living in the remote Dolpo region of Nepal. Pema is part of a polyandrous marriage with Tashi and his two younger brothers. When Tashi fails to return from a trading trip, raising questions about the legitimacy of her unborn child, Pema embarks on a transformative journey to find him. As her search for Tashi unfolds, it becomes a profound spiritual quest for self-discovery and liberation, transcending the mere need to reunite with her husband.
In a statement on social media, the film’s team expressed their excitement over the Oscar selection, “The stunningly crafted “Shambhala”, directed by Min Bahadur Bham makes its way to the 97th Oscars. The film is contextualised in the Northern part of Nepal, and defines the concrete journey of Female Self Determination. And now, the film becomes a true inspiration itself.”
Currently, Shambhala is being screened in nine theatres within Kathmandu Valley and in 39 locations outside the valley.
