Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April, 29: Tibetan film ‘Four Rivers Six Ranges’ has secured its first major recognition, winning the Best Soundtrack award at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in Iowa, USA. The annual festival took place between April 21 and 27, with the award announced on Sunday.
The film, directed by Tibetan filmmaker Shenpenn Khymsar, who also composed the award-winning soundtrack, recounts the story of the ‘Chushi Gangdruk’ resistance movement established on June 10, 1958, by Commander Andruk Gonpo Tashi. The Tibetan fighters employed guerrilla tactics against invading Chinese forces, with reported support from the CIA.
The film is based on Dorjee Wangdi Dewatshang’s book ‘Flight at the Cuckoo’s Behest’ and tells the story of the ‘Chushi Gangdruk’ resistance movement established in 1958.
The film’s success has not gone unnoticed in Beijing. After its premiere at the 54th Rotterdam International Film Festival (IFFR) in Rotterdam, Netherlands, earlier this year. China’s state-run media outlet CGTN published an opinion piece accusing Khymsar of “propagating separatism” and distorting history, claiming his assertion that “Tibet was and will never be a part of China” is “utterly groundless”. CGTN referred to the film as a “fictitious rewrite of Xizang’s history”, using China’s official designation for Tibet.
Despite the backlash, ‘Four Rivers Six Ranges’ has continued to garner attention and praise, with the soundtrack award marking its first major international accolade since its debut earlier this year.
According to reports, The film is scheduled for a broad international release, kicking off with screenings in major cities across the United States and Canada in May, followed by a European tour in June. Distribution across India is planned for July and August. A special screening will take place on July 5 in Dharamshala, coinciding with the auspicious celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.
