By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct 5: Following successful openings in Zurich from September 15 to 17 and Berlin from September 29 to 30, the Tibet Film Festival (TFF) marked its official commencement in Dharamshala at the College of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah on Tuesday. The 14th edition of the TFF this year has embarked on an innovative and community-oriented format, with a curated line up of seven different community venues from October 3 to 8.
The seven different community venues chosen for the festival are Upper TCV, Dhora Cafe at Gamru, The Other Space at Jogiwara, and Hope Gallery at McLeod Ganj. The purpose of choosing the new format is to reach out to a wider spectrum of the Tibetan audience. Their vision encompasses school students, artists, writers, and college students, the TFF Team announced on their Instagram handle on Monday.
The year’s exciting line-up of independent films included six short films by Tibetan filmmakers around the diaspora; Dhulpa by Kunsang Kyirong, Looking Back in Exile by Tsering Wangmo, Pure Land by Tenzin Phuntsog, Boundaries by Tsering Wangmo, Bhu Tsering by Tenzin Wangjor, Jalyong by Tenzin Tsewang. In addition to the short films, the festival also presented a feature film titled Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache by Kyentse Norbu Rinpoche.
On the first day of the festival, a conversation titled “Tibetan Cinema: A Unique Storytelling Language” took place at the College of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah. The panelists for this discussion included distinguished Tibetan filmmakers and screenwriters; Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, Tsering Tashi Gyalthang, Kunsang Kyirong, and Jamyang Phuntsok.
The Tibet Film Festival (TFF) has established itself as a unique and significant platform for showcasing Tibetan cinema, both from within Tibet and across the Tibetan diaspora. Since its inception in 2009 in Switzerland, the TFF has grown in stature and significance, and the 14th edition continues to exemplify its dedication to fostering an appreciation for Tibetan cinema and culture.
One of the notable aspects of this year’s festival is honoring the late critically acclaimed Tibetan filmmaker, Pema Tseden. Pema Tseden’s tragic passing in May in Lhasa, Tibet, marked a profound loss for the Tibetan film community. The festival’s tribute to his work and legacy serves as a fitting tribute to a filmmaker who made significant contributions to Tibetan cinema.
In addition to Dharamshala, TFF is set to return to London, with scheduled dates from October 20 to 22. This international expansion reflects the growing global interest in Tibetan cinema and the festival’s continued commitment to promoting Tibetan culture and storytelling on the world stage.
