State of Statelessness

Tibetan Language Anthology Feature-Film

Tales from the Tibetan Diaspora

Film Title: State of Statelessness
Film Title in Tibetan language: ས་མཐའི་ལས་དབང་། [Sathai Lewang]
Language: Tibetan, Vietnamese, English, Hindi
Directors: Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, Sonam Tseten, Tsering Tashi Gyalthang, Tenzing Sonam & Ritu Sarin
Produced by: Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, Yodon Thonden
Co-produced by: Sonam Tseten, Tenzin Kalden
Music: Tenzin Choegyal, Tashi Gyatso (G.Tashi)
Presented by: Drung Tibetan Fiulmmakers' Collective
With support from: The Tibet Fund
Subtitle: English
Country of Production: INDIA / USA / VIETNAM
Running time: 106 minutes
Color: Color
Sound: 5.1 Dolby
World Premiere: 29th Busan International Film Festival 2024

State of Statelessness is the first-ever Tibetan-language anthology feature film, exploring the profound themes of statelessness and migration through four poignant stories of Tibetans living in exile. Directed by Tibetan filmmakers in India, America, and Vietnam, the film captures the painful realities of a scattered people, from a father's tale of the Mekong River to a son's discovery of a family secret in Dharamshala.

Synopsis: State of Statelessness, comprises four short segments directed by Tibetan filmmakers living in exile in India, America and Vietnam. Each film delves into the profound themes of statelessness and migration, and captures the poignant realities of Tibetans scattered across the globe. In one story, a Tibetan father in Vietnam shares with his young daughter how the Mekong River, starting in his homeland, flows into the sea in their new country. In another, two sisters come together in a bittersweet reunion to cremate their late mother, only to find that years of separation have woven complex predicaments that they must struggle to untangle. The third film follows Sonam, who is in the midst of recovering from a family tragedy, when a visit by a long-lost school friend from America forces him and his wife to confront the fragility of their lives. In the final tale, a son returns to his deceased father’s home in Dharamshala, where he experiences a glimpse into his past and stumbles upon a secret that challenges his understanding of his heritage and identity.

Key Cast
Tenzin Tseten - Tenzin
Thupten Dhargay - Norbu
Kalsang Dolma - Yangchen
Tenzin Pema - Bhuti
Tenzin Choegyal - Tenzin
Lê Phương Linh - Pema
Tenzin Phuntsok - Sonam
Tenor Sharlo - Jigdal