The Search (2009)

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Director Pema Tseden (aka Wan Ma Cai Dan) explores the legacy and challenges of Tibetan culture in this offbeat drama. Prince Drime Kunden is a traditional Tibetan opera concerning a man who learns the gift of compassion that's been part of the nation's culture for centuries. However, with the decay… More Director Pema Tseden (aka Wan Ma Cai Dan) explores the legacy and challenges of Tibetan culture in this offbeat drama. Prince Drime Kunden is a traditional Tibetan opera concerning a man who learns the gift of compassion that's been part of the nation's culture for centuries. However, with the decay of so much folk culture in the 21st century, the opera is no longer performed very often, and a handful of filmmakers have decided to create a film version in order to preserve Prince Drime Kunden for the ages. The directors travel from one town to another in Tibet's countryside, looking for actors and singers to appear in their production, and they find a young woman who is the ideal choice for the female lead, Princess Mande Zangmo. However, the woman isn't particularly interested in taking part in the project, and agrees to appear in the film only under the condition that her boyfriend be cast as Prince Drime. The filmmakers are willing to consider it, but they discover he's moved to China and taken a job as a schoolteacher, meaning they have a lot of searching and convincing to do if they want to please their leading lady. Starring Manla Kyab, Tsondrey and Lumo Tso, Xunzhao Zhimei Gengdeng (aka The Search) was an official selection at the 2009 BFI London Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi