Post Screening Event of "Sumpa Kingdom": Stunning Landscapes of Sapu Sacred Mountain and Evocative Visions of Life

On the evening of June 18, Sumpa Kingdom, an official selection of the Belt and Road Film Week at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), held its screening. Director Lhapal Gyal, producer Sonam Gyal, and cast members Tenzin Tsundue, Zhuoyi and Sonam Wangmo attended the post-screening event, sharing behind-the-scenes creative anecdotes with the audience.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Miaolian, the film tells the story of a rural doctor in Nagqu who adopts an orphaned Tibetan baby girl in 1995. In 2024, with her adoptive father’s blessing, the young woman embarks on a journey with a wealthy merchant friend to unravel the historical mysteries of the ancient Sumpa kingdom. According to director Lhapal Gyal, while retaining the core spiritual essence of the original novel, the creative team restructured the character relationships and narrative framework, weaving their firsthand insights into the landscapes, customs and culture of Xizang into every frame of the film.

When talking about casting choices, Director Lhapal Gyal believes the unadulterated aura carried by Tenzin Tsundue aligns perfectly with the character Baima, the guide. “We reached plenty of consensus the first time we discussed the role in Chengdu. I knew he was fully capable of playing the part, and an audition was unnecessary.” The creative team crafted the romantic subplot between the male and female leads with special care. “We did not intend for them to have an intense romantic entanglement. Understated, pure affection fits their characterizations far better,” Lhapal Gyal explained.

Sumpa Kingdom marks Tenzin Tsundue’s feature film debut. For him, the role of Baima feels both familiar and foreign. “I used to work as a tour guide, which echoes the character’s occupation,” Tenzin Tsundue shared. “Even though I am Tibetan, I am portraying a different Tibetan individual. The character’s personality is half me, half Baima.”

Actress Zhuoyi expressed that she feels deeply honored to convey her love for her hometown through this film. Breathtaking vistas including Sapu Sacred Mountain and the Qiangtang Grasslands dazzle audiences, drawing viewers fully into every frame of the film. Co-star Sonam Wangmo commented frankly, “Though my screen time is limited, filming at the foot of Sapu Sacred Mountain was an incredibly romantic experience.”

A friend of Tenzin Tsundue attended the screening in person and shared how deeply moved he was. “The director leaves us ample room to reflect on life, fate and mortality, while unfolding stunning natural scenery across the big screen. I definitely plan to watch it a second and even a third time.”

Movie fan Mr. Wang visited Sapu Sacred Mountain in person last year. “Standing at the foot of Sapu Sacred Mountain, I was overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of awe. As I watched the film, those magnificent scenes flashed through my mind, and I felt incredibly emotional.”