A film based on the history of Tibetan resistance fighters who helped the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, safely escape Tibet in 1959, has been released in India after being secretly filmed in Nepal’s Himalayan district of Mustang, Gandaki Province. The film, titled ‘Four Rivers Six Ranges’, has drawn strong objections from China, bringing to the surface geopolitical sensitivities between Beijing and New Delhi.
The movie, which depicts the historical struggle of the Tibetan guerrilla group ‘Chushi Gangdruk’ (Four Rivers and Six Mountain Ranges), premiered last year at the prestigious Rotterdam International Film Festival in the Netherlands. It recently began screening in cinemas across India.
Director Shenpen Khymsar revealed that formal permission to film in Nepal was deemed impossible due to Chinese surveillance and pressure, necessitating the covert operation in Mustang. Nepal has maintained a firm commitment to the ‘One China Policy’ since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1955. Under this policy, Nepal recognizes Tibet as an internal affair of China and has pledged not to allow anti-China activities on its soil.
Geopolitical Implications and Historical Context
The film’s release and the subsequent Chinese objection have brought to the surface geopolitical sensitivities in the Himalayan region. The Dalai Lama, now 91, has lived in exile in Dharamshala, India, since fleeing Tibet in March 1959 following a Tibetan uprising in Lhasa against Chinese rule. The ‘Chushi Gangdruk’ group played a crucial role in assisting his safe passage to India.
The controversy surrounding the film has brought to the surface geopolitical sensitivities between Beijing and New Delhi, particularly concerning Tibetan issues. The secret filming in Mustang occurred despite Nepal’s official adherence to its ‘One China Policy’.
Future and Unanswered Questions
Regarding the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership, the Dalai Lama stated in July 2025 that the tradition of choosing a spiritual leader would continue after his death. He clarified that the process of finding and identifying his reincarnation would fall under the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, and no one else has the right to interfere in this matter.
However, several aspects surrounding the film’s release remain unclear. The specific details of China’s ‘strong objection’, such as official diplomatic notes or particular demands, have not been made public. Furthermore, it is not yet known whether the Nepal government has issued any official response regarding the secret filming in Mustang or China’s objections. There is also no confirmation if Nepali authorities are investigating the covert production, nor is there further information available on the film’s international distribution or screening status in other countries.
