His Tibetan language film 'Tharlo' has been produced by four companies from Beijing. Around USD 300,000 have been invested in the film, which is not a big investment compared to the big budgets allocated for films in China. But Tseden says that due to the Tibetan language, the market is narrow for the film.Tseden's films get released in small theaters in Tibet and China with Chinese subtitles. In China, too, there is a distinctive gap between commercial and art films. He says, "The commercial films that big stars favor have action, romance, and pomp and show. But our art films are limited in actors and budget. We only get the small theaters and that too very less."
He is worried that the Chinese viewers have started preferring these commercial films. Hollywood films are also gaining popularity these days. He says, "Chinese filmgoers prefer to watch Hollywood films. Even in Tibet, the young generation likes Hollywood films. So we have a hard time getting audiences to watch our films."
This is the first time his film has been selected for the festival. But in 2009, his film 'The Search' was selected for Switzerland's Locarno Film Festival and Canada's Toronto International Film Festival. There has been plenty of media attention in China for his Venice journey and he hopes this will pave way for interest in 'Tharlo' in China's film market.
In 2010, his film 'Old Dog' was part of almost 40 film festivals around the world. The film was based on his hometown Amdo and even received praises from film critics. However, the film only just managed to break even.
When asked why he persists in making Tibetan films given the state of the market, he answers, "If I also make Chinese language films then who will make Tibetan films? It's my dream to show Tibetan culture and Tibetan stories to the world."
His worry is not restricted to the market alone. Sometimes, the strict censor board also acts as a hindrance. Tseden guesses that 'Behemoth', a Chinese film that is in the main competition at the festival, will probably not be released in China. Directed by Zhao Liang, the film criticizes the modern economy of the country.
"We have to submit our script to the censor board before we make films. We start the shooting only when it's passed by the board. After we finish the shooting and before the release of the film, it goes through the censor board once again."
Tsering Rhitar Sherpa is the only filmmaker from Nepal he has heard about. He recognizes Nepal as the holy place for Buddhists and a refuge for Tibetans, and is interested in visiting Nepal some day.
"If the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy in Nepal support it, I want to visit Nepal and organize a workshop for young filmmakers there. I'm determined to go to Nepal because I have an emotional attachment to the country," he says.
Bollywood film 'PK' did great business in China. Is it possible for the same kind of business to benefit Nepali films? His advice is for Nepali filmmakers to take political initiative if they want to enter the Chinese market. "It's possible to screen Nepali films with Chinese subtitles in small theaters. I'm ready to help if the need arises," he says.
Related story
Akshay Kumar reacts to boycott 'Raksha Bandhan', 'Laal Singh Ch...
