STATE OF STATELESSNESS

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.

UPCOMING SHOWINGS

Duke’s — Lancaster
• 23 – 28 January — Various screening times (check venue listing)

Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema, France
• 29 January & 3 February — Various screening times (check venue listing)

Pictureville Cinema — Bradford
• 6 – 13 February — screenings throughout the week (book via venue)

Chichester Cinema at New Park — Chichester
• 9 & 13 February — select showings scheduled

Ilkley Cinema — Ilkley
• 22 & 25 February — continued screenings in West Yorkshire

More screenings across the UK will be announced soon
— follow Drung and Day for Night Film’s channels for updates.

We invite audiences interested in world cinema, diasporic narratives, and deeply human storytelling to join us in celebrating this remarkable film on the big screen. Stay tuned for additional dates and cities as the UK release continues to expand.