By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec 30: The 5th Hainan Island International Film Festival concluded with a poignant tribute to the late Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden, as his final film, “Snow Leopard” secured the title of Best Director. Following its Grand Prix win at the Tokyo International Film Festival, “Snow Leopard” concluded the Hainan festival as the closing film on December 22.
The 5th Hainan Island International Film Festival witnessed a touching moment as Jigme Thinley, the son of the late Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden, accepted the Best Director award on behalf of his father for the film. He was accompanied by the film’s cast members Jinpa, Ziqi Xiong, Tseten Tashi, Gendun Phuntsok, and others.
As he accepted the award on behalf of his late father, Jigme Thinley addressed the audience, acknowledging his father’s absence and expressing gratitude to the festival organisers. He remarked, “Unfortunately, my father couldn’t attend this esteemed festival to receive this prestigious award personally. However, the film’s dedicated cast and crew stand here today. I extend heartfelt thanks to the festival organisers for honouring my father’s final work. This recognition will undoubtedly inspire the entire team present here to push their creative boundaries further in crafting impactful films in the future.”
Lei Wang, the film’s producer, expressed aspirations to showcase the film at various film festivals across China before sharing it with audiences around the globe. Jinpa, the film’s main cast, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the organisers and the jury of this year’s festival. He conveyed appreciation on behalf of the cast and crew for the recognition bestowed upon their collaborative effort.
Born in December 1969 into a nomadic family in Easter Tibet’s Amdo region, Pema Tseden, the late Tibetan filmmaker, left behind a remarkable legacy marked by his poignant storytelling and portrayal of contemporary Tibetan life through cinema. At the time of his untimely passing in May in Lhasa, at the age of 53, he was actively involved in the creation of two films, “Snow Leopard” being one of them. Despite various reports in Chinese media outlets confirming his passing, no specific cause of death was officially disclosed.
Throughout his career, Pema Tseden carved a niche for himself as a revered filmmaker, drawing from his personal experiences and deep understanding of Tibetan culture. His untimely passing marked a loss in the world of cinema, leaving behind an enduring legacy as an exceptional storyteller who brought Tibetan life to the forefront of global cinema.
