Director: Pema Tseden
Script: Pema Tseden
Cinematographer: Sonthar Gyal
Editing: Chen Hailing, Benjamin Illos, Zhou Xing
Art Setting: Sonthar Gyal
Sound: Dukar Tserang
Music: Dege Cairang
Cast: Zong Zhi, Manla Jiepu, Dobe Dorje, Drolma Gyab, Lumo Tso
Prod: Himalaya Audio & Visual Culture Communication Co. Ltd.
Year: 2008
Screening: 2020
Fichier, Color, 112 min,
OV Tibetan with English and French Electronic Subtitles
Special Jury Award at the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival 2009
A director, his assistant, and a businessman drive through the Amdo region of Tibet. They are scouting for actors for an opera traditionally performed for the Tibetan New Year, “Drime Kunden”, in which a prince selflessly gives away his wife, his children and his own eyes to those in need. They finally find a suitable actress for the part of Drime Kunden's concubine; but the woman refuses to show her covered face and request to find her former boyfriend to act as the Prince. Along the way, the director remembers the story of his own first love.
“In some areas, villagers always used to perform the Tibetan operas, and everyone would go to watch. But people aren't interested anymore, and it's harder to see them performed. Tibetan opera is a symbol of Tibetan culture.” Pema Tseden