This Nepalese film follows Pema (played by Thinley Lhamo), a Nepalese woman searching for her husband, who disappeared on a trip to Lhasa.
A film like no other, Shambala is unhurried and reflects the director’s fascination with Eastern rituals and symbols.
Fabien Lemercier reviewing the film at Berlinale for Cineuropa wrote, “A magnificent portrait of a woman determined to shoulder her responsibilities, Shambhala is a work of great sensitivity which is highly suggestive beneath its striking and “exotic” cultural attire.”
James Mottram of South China Morning Post rated the film 4/5 and lauded the film writing, “A film like no other, Shambhala is unhurried and reflects the director’s fascination with Eastern rituals and symbols.”
Siddhant Adlakha reviewing for Variety at Berlinale wrote, “Shambhala does, essentially, what it says on the tin. Its landscape may be mountainous, but its emotional trajectory is a distinct plateau.
Jonathan Romney reviewing the film at Berlinale, wrote in ScreenDaily “At once a spiritual odyssey and a more concrete journey of female self-determination, this is a visually magnificent slow-burner filmed high in the Himalayas, with a quietly magnetic central performance from Thinley Lhamo.”
Nicholas Bell in Ion Cinema rated the film with four stars and said, “Grounding this narrative, mixing visual poetry with vulgar slander, is the captivating performance by Thinley Lhamo, who imbues Pema with a resilience and tenderness.” Concluding Bell praised cinematography and wrote, “Bam reunites with his DP Aziz Zhambakyiv, and the Nepalese Himalayas provide a pristine, breathtaking backdrop for these ultimately petty miseries supported by fragile men.”
SHAMBHALA feature film entirely shot in upper Dolpa is set to premiere in Main Competition at Berlin Film Festival, marking a historic moment as Nepal’s maiden feature to enter in the Competition Section at one of the world’s top film festivals.
Notably, SHAMBHALA is the first South Asian film to be selected in Berlinale’s Main Competition after three decades, adding to its groundbreaking legacy. Also it is the first Nepalese film selected at Locarno Film Festival (Piazza Grande).
RELEASING ALL NEPAL – 13th September 2024 | 28th Bhadra 2081
- CAST: Thinley Lhamo, Sonam Topden, Tenzin Dalha, Karma Wangyal Gurung, Karma Shakya, Loten Namling, Janga Bahadur Lama, Tsering Choden, Tsering Lhamo Gurung, Tsering Choeble Towa,CREW:
Director: Min Bahadur Bham
Screenwriters: Min Bahadur Bham, Abinash Bikram Shah
Producer: Min Bahadur Bham
Cinematographer: Aziz Zhambakiyev
Editors: Kiran Shrestha, Liao Ching-Sung Music
Composer: Nhyoo Bajracharya
Production Designer: Ramlal Khadka
Trailer Editor: Aditya Basnet - World Sales:
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Nepal’s Distribution:
Apple Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.