Pema tSEDEN: a guiding force

We at Tibet Film Festival are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of groundbreaking Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden. 

Being a festival committed to platforming and showcasing contemporary Tibetan cinema, it has been a deep privilege for us to be able to screen several classic films by Pema Tseden such as Old Dog [2011], The Silent Holy Stones [2005], The Sacred Arrow [2014], Tharlo [2015] among others, for our diverse audiences in our four festival venues. 

Pema Tseden inspired a new generation of Tibetans to explore filmmaking as a language of identity-making, and motivated Tibetan filmmakers around the world to master their craft as an instrument to share a distinctly Tibetan perspective with the world.

At our screenings of his films, we witnessed a fervor and devotion from our audiences, especially Tibetan youth, filmmakers and film enthusiasts, unlike anything seen before. Seeing Tibetan youngsters studying his work, and taking notes for their own projects, has been an experience that we have been honored to help facilitate and nurture through our festival.

He was a rare gem who not only garnered the respect and admiration of his peers in China, but created a path for Tibetan aspiring filmmakers, cinematographers and visual storytellers to broaden the horizon of Tibetan cinema. 

Pema Tseden’s rich and enduring legacy of filmmaking lives on in the Tibetan filmmakers working on their craft to tell better, bolder stories. His legacy also thrives in the Tibetan audience, who fell in love with Tibetan cinema through his films, and continue to nurture their love and appreciation for cinema that is distinctly Tibetan.   

We send our prayers to his family and loved ones. We also send his colleagues and fellow Tibetan film enthusiasts the strength and courage to continue to push the boundaries of Tibetan cinema. 

Organizing Team 
Tibet Film Festival