Padma Angdu is a rosy-cheeked young Rinpoche, or reincarnation of a spiritual master. Assigned to the care of a local lama, Urgyan Rickzen, in the remote, mountainous Ladakh region of southern India, Padma’s destiny is to reunite with his monastic order in Tibet. The film depicts their relationship over eight years with incredible intimacy. When they finally embark on the arduous journey to Tibet, obstacles emerge: China’s anti-Tibetan politics, lack of money, and difficult terrain. Nevertheless, through the years, the filmmakers capture wonderfully joyful activities, perfectly fitting boyhood in any walk of life. The film moves from the deeply personal to the universal, with breathtaking drone shots of the two trekking on snowy mountain peaks, accompanied by heart-stirring music. The filmmakers beautifully navigate the relationship between guardian and spiritual master, father and son. What emerges—in the most artful way—is an epic story about love, sacrifice, and profound attachment.
Berlinale 2017—Grand Prix Generation Kplus International Jury Prize
2017 Hot Docs—Top 20 Audience Favorite
View the film's trailer here.
Thank you to our community partner Buddhist Film Foundation.