A Tibetan Pilgrimage Journey by 11 Villagers, Taking Almost a Year

The story opens in Pula Village, Markham County, Kham Province, Tibet. At Nima's home, his father has passed away, and the 49th-day memorial service is being held. Yangpel, his father's younger brother, wishes to visit the sacred city of Lhasa before he dies, just as his elder brother did. Nima resolves to accompany his uncle on this pilgrimage to fulfill his wish. Learning of their journey, villagers one after another ask to join, and the group, including an elderly woman, a pregnant woman, and a young girl named Tashi, grows to a total of 11 people. They embark on a pilgrimage from their village to Lhasa, approximately 1200 kilometers away, by performing prostrations, and then continue another approximately 1200 kilometers to Mount Kailash.



'Walking to Lhasa ~2400km of Prayer' is a road movie that depicts the pilgrimage of 11 people living in a small Tibetan village, gradually advancing over a total distance of approximately 2400 kilometers to the Tibetan Buddhist holy city of Lhasa and their final destination, the sacred Mount Kailash, by continuously performing 'prostrations' (godai-tōchi).

'Prostrations' (godai-tōchi) is the most respectful form of Buddhist prayer, involving bowing down to touch the ground with both hands, knees, and forehead. In Tibet, there are still pilgrims who travel to sacred sites over long periods, performing prostrations. Witnessing the pilgrims in this film, you will understand how arduous their journey is.





The film meticulously portrays the villagers' lives, presenting various dramas without exaggeration, as the pilgrimage unfolds calmly on screen. Although it may appear to be a documentary, this is a fictional film. Yet, the audience will find themselves captivated by the natural demeanor of the characters, much like in a documentary. As you become immersed in the screen, the Tibetan Buddhist teaching of 'praying for others' subtly emerges through casual conversations and actions. Why do they wish for the happiness of others? Why do they seem joyful despite the seemingly arduous pilgrimage? Within simple actions like 'praying,' 'walking,' 'sleeping,' and 'laughing,' one can glimpse the joy and the state of mind that underlies them.



This film is directed by Pema Tseden, known for 'The Bath House' (a hit in Japan) and 'The Sun Beaten Path,' which won the Best Director award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. It is said to be the realization of Director Pema Tseden's long-held admiration for Tibet. The film has garnered high praise, significantly expanding the scope of Pema Tseden's cinematic vision through its documentary-style filming techniques. For those living complex lives in the modern era, the Tibetan pilgrimage journey offers a profound realization.

'Walking to Lhasa ~2400km of Prayer'
Nationwide release starting Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Theater Image Forum and other venues.
Director | Pema Tseden
Starring | 11 villagers on a Tibetan pilgrimage
Distribution | Moviola
118 minutes / 2015 / China / English Title: 'PATHS OF THE SOUL'

http://www.moviola.jp/lhasa/