“Shambhala” Officially Selected as Nepal’s Submission for the 97th Oscars
Get ready to witness a meaningful spiritual journey with the release of the Nepali film Shambhala. The movie is officially premiering today. It is a Nepali-Tibetan film that has already gained international attention following its impressive screenings at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival and the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. It has now been officially selected to represent Nepal at the 97th Oscars Academy Awards. Directed by visionary filmmaker Min Bahadur Bham, Shambhala explores the themes of identity, spirituality, and resilience, all set in the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas.
The film’s widespread recognition has surprised many, including lead actor Sonam Topden, who plays Karma.”I wasn’t thinking about global recognition while working on Shambhala,” Topden reflected. “My focus was on the film itself, and I knew it was going to be something unique. The buzz and global recognition were unexpected, but incredibly rewarding.“
For Nepal, Shambhala signals a new era in cinema. Featuring a diverse cast of Tibetan and Nepali actors, including the talented Thinley Lhamo, the film has captivated audiences not just in South Asia but across international festivals. The lead actress Thinley Lhamo’s exceptional performance earned her the prestigious Boccalino D’Oro for Best Performance at the Locarno Film Festival—the first for any Nepali actor.
“Thinley’s performance was nothing short of amazing,” Topden said with pride. “It was a proud moment for all of us.“
The film’s Oscar nomination is a significant milestone for the Nepali film industry, long seeking global recognition. Shambhala is now being celebrated as a breakthrough, raising the country’s cinematic standards to new heights.
The story follows Pema (played by Thinley Lhamo) on her spiritual quest through the mystical land of Shambhala. Along the way, she searches for her missing husband, Tashi, while also embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Lhamo’s portrayal of a woman facing personal and spiritual struggles is deeply moving, resonating with audiences through its emotional depth.
The film’s release has garnered support from Bollywood figures like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Anurag Kashyap, who attended the Nepal premiere. As Sonam Topden noted, “I was extremely happy, and I’m sure it wasn’t just me—all the Southeast Asian people felt proud to see Tibetan and Nepali actors, and a Nepali film like Shambhala showcased on such a global stage.“
With the Oscar nomination and growing excitement around the film, Shambhala represents a major achievement for Nepalese cinema. As it begins its Oscar journey, the pride it brings to Nepal and Southeast Asia is undeniable. This film has not only showcased the region’s talent but also its rich cultural heritage to the world.
Are you ready to witness the magic of Shambhala? Don’t miss to experience this captivating story.
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