Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, May 8: The Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) held a seminar on Tuesday focusing on the life and works of renowned Tibetan writer and filmmaker Pema Tseden, a pioneering figure in Tibetan-language cinema who passed away in May 2023 at the age of 53. The event, organised by the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, brought together scholars, diplomats, and students for a rich exchange on Tibetan literature, film, and the broader socio-political context of Tibet.
Late Pema Tseden was widely regarded as a unique storyteller who provided the audience with an intimate glimpse into the lives of Tibetans and contemporary Tibet through his films in the Tibetan language. His directorial debut, “The Silent Holy Stone,” marked the beginning of a remarkable career in cinema. The film was released in 2005, it earned Pema Tseden the Best Director award in the Asian New Talent category and the Best Directorial Debut award at China’s prestigious Golden Rooster Awards.
His early works, including The Search (2009) and Old Dog (2011), are collectively known as “The Tibetan Trilogy” and are celebrated for their authentic portrayal of contemporary Tibetan life.Tseden’s later films, such as Tharlo (2015), Jinpa (2018), and Balloon (2019), continued to explore the complexities of Tibetan identity amidst societal changes, earning accolades at international film festivals including Venice, Toronto, and Busan. His final film, Snow Leopard, completed shortly before his death, won the Tokyo Grand Prix at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival.
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers; former AP News Beijing correspondent and translator Isolda Morillo, and Chinese Liaison Officer for European countries, Sangyal Kyab from the Tibet Bureau in Geneva. The session was moderated by Professor Pilar González España of the university’s Department of Philosophy and Literature.
Introducing the speakers, Professor González highlighted Morillo’s contribution in translating Pema Tseden’s celebrated novels Tharlo and Balloon into Spanish and her past interview with the filmmaker. She also noted a personal connection between Sangyal Kyab and the late filmmaker, sharing that both hail from the same hometown and attended the same school, adding a layer of insight to the discussion.
Isolda Morillo opened the session with a comprehensive overview of Pema Tseden’s literary and cinematic achievements, emphasizing his pioneering role in Tibetan-language cinema and his nuanced portrayal of Tibetan identity amid rapid modernisation. Her presentation highlighted how Tseden’s storytelling carved a space for Tibetan voices within Chinese and global film industries.
In the second presentation, Sangyal Kyab delved into the historical and personal circumstances that shaped Pema Tseden’s artistic vision. He spoke of the filmmaker’s education, creative inspirations, and the systemic challenges he faced under China’s censorship regime. Kyab praised Tseden’s intellectual courage and cultural commitment, framing his legacy as both an artistic and political statement of resilience.
The Tibetan researcher also provided insights to students and faculty into the ongoing human rights situation in Tibet, detailing the Chinese Communist Party’s repressive and assimilationist policies. He also elaborated on the Middle Way Approach proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, advocating for genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China.
