During this year’s SXSW Film & Television Festival, some outstanding documentary films were worth viewing and discussing. The films range over many topics. Mola – A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss had its North American Premiere in the Documentary Spotlight section of this year’s festival. Directors Martin Brauen and daughter Yangzom Brauen are excellent storytellers as they film and share with the world the life of Kunsang Wangmo, known affectionately as Mola (grandmother), as she is reaching 100 years of age.
The documentary is deeply moving as we learn of Mola at an advanced age and what she had experienced in her life. Living in Tibet in the late 1950s as a nun, she and many others of her nation’s religious order were exiled when the Chinese occupation transpired. She left Tibet, traveled to India, and settled in Switzerland. She is seen living with her daughter, Sonam, and son-in-law, Martin Brauen. The father and daughter co-direct and serve as cinematographers.
At the beginning of the film, they capture Mola in her daily life of prayer rituals and meditation, helping cook, and still very active. She is seen walking up a long staircase to the second floor to her room as if she were a much younger woman. I was in awe.
Mola and Sonam’s screen time is so touching as they care for each other and have very open talks about life, love, and where to die. Mola expresses her desire to pass away in Tibet. Both Sonam and Martin know how big a challenge that will be, but Martin works with the local embassy to request a visa from the Chinese government to allow her to visit. After quite a wait, the visa is granted. She is very happy to travel, visit friends and relatives, and step into her native Tibet. All the footage is captivating. This blend of archival footage and photos makes the documentary shine, but not as much as the protagonist does naturally as she prepares to transition from this world.
Sonam is a painter who is seen creating pieces of art. It is shown when it is finished, and I found it spectacular when and how it is displayed. There are so many close-up shots of her with Mola and the love, respect, and concern for each other are beautifully edited. I cannot help but cry. Most anyone who has lost their mama will know what I am talking about, no matter what part of the world you hail from.
Source: SXSW