The Silent Holy Stones

Padma Tseten, 2005, 102 min. 

Director’s first feature. The debut feature from the preeminent Tibetan filmmaker working today. The Silent Holy Stones is a restrained, unhurried story of a 10-year old Tibetan monk who has the chance to spend a few days at New Year with his family in their village a day’s horse ride away. The boy’s journey to his village and back to the monastery bring to light explores the powerful intertwined forces of westernization and consumerism that are a powerful presence even in a small Tibetan farming community on a 10-year old boy in China who is sent by his family to train as a Buddhist monk.

In Tibetan with English Subtitles

Q & A with filmmaker to follow