The Silent Holy Stones

Even though large areas of Tibet are still among the most remote places on earth for Westerners, cameras seem to get there without any problems. Cinema-goers have been able to get acquainted with the Tibetan landscapes and living conditions in recent years thanks to a variety of productions including Die Salzmänner von Tibet, Seven Years in Tibet and the Chinese eco-action film Kekexili. It is about time therefore that authentic Tibetan voices joined the clamour. Wanma-caidan, recently graduated from the film academy in Beijing, has made a convincing start with The Silent Holy Stones. In a clear style reminiscent of both recent Iranian cinema and of Japanese masters, he shows the life of several Tibetans during a few days of winter in a small village. A young lama is happy to be rid of his religious duties for a few days so he can spend some time with his family. He and his young friend, a living Buddha, thoroughly enjoy watching endless videos of a Chinese television series. With a sequence of minor events – the performance of a traditional Tibetan opera, an unexpected death, a fixer who rips off young people – Wanma-caidan provides a touching (but never overly saccharine) picture of contemporary life in Tibet, while also looking at the tension between local traditions and the temptations of Chinese kitsch and modern life. (GT)