Semshook

I wandered into the world premiere of Semshook at the Cinequest Film Festival yesterday much by chance, not knowing anything about the film or it's message. I have to say, this is a film that stays with you long after it has ended.

The story follows the journey of a disenchanted young Tibetan refugee called Tenzin - as he leaves his adopted hometown of Dharamsala and travels through the Himalayas in search of his true identity and homeland.

Mirroring much of the Buddha's journey into enlightenment, the protagonist goes through a process of shedding his possessions and ultimately himself, until he finds the truth of his situation. In this way the film is more of a spiritual journey than a political one - at the end of it one feels true empathy for the Tibetan cause, and an acute understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

Tenzin's journey takes the audience through the spectacular landscape of the Himalayas and many of the locations and cinematography took my breath away. The music of the film is an amazing blend of ethnic Tibetan and western classical - can't wait for the soundtrack album. But the factor that stood out for me the most was the performances in the film - particularly the actor who played the lead role. The audience laughed, cried and felt empathy for every moment of his journey.

I hope this little film gets the recognition it deserves - for this is a story that needs to be heard and seen.