Shambhala

Min Bahadur Bham
festival
Fri 25 Apr 25 - Thu 1 May 25
  • Caution with children up to 16 years of age

Over the course of two and a half hours, this poignant story unfolds slowly and deliberately, set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas and unquestionably fresh air...

High in the Nepalese Himalayas, it is still common for a woman to marry several men. Pema marries not only Tashi but also his younger brother Dawa and their third brother, Karma, who is a monk. At first, their life is harmonious, but when Tashi fails to return from a trading trip, the village questions the legitimacy of Pema’s unborn child.

This visually magnificent slow-burner, filmed in the heights of the Himalayas, is both a spiritual odyssey and a journey of female willpower and self-determination. At the same time, the film offers a glimpse into Buddhist culture, the traditions and rituals of the people in a Himalayan village, where goats, sheep, horses, and yaks are part of daily life. Despite its length, the film maintains your interest throughout.

direction
Min Bahadur Bham
cast
Thinley Lhamo, Sonam Topden, Tenzing Dalha
duration
150 min
year
2024
country
Nepal
language
Tibetan, Nepali
Subtitles
English
  • Caution with children up to 16 years of age

festival

"Grounding this narrative is the captivating performance by Thinley Lhamo, who imbues Pema with a resilience and tenderness." − IONCINEMA