In a world where history is too often shaped by those in power, Tibetan filmmaker Shenpenn Khymsar is taking the story back. His powerful new film, Four Rivers Six Ranges (Chushi Gangdrug), tells the true story of Tibetan resistance fighters who stood up against the Chinese military occupation in the 1950s. The film, which had its World Premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year, is now making its International Premiere at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. It is the first English-language Tibetan film created by refugees in exile and a bold statement of cultural resistance.
Set in 1958, the story follows a group of everyday Tibetans who formed a warrior resistance to defend their land. These fighters were later trained by the CIA and played a key role in escorting the 14th Dalai Lama to the Indian border in 1959. Khymsar says the motivation for making the film was deeply personal and political. He wanted to reclaim the Tibetan narrative and share a long-suppressed truth.
The idea for the film first took root thirteen years ago, but it was in 2022 that the project began to move forward. Khymsar connected with Dorjee Wangdi Dewatshang, whose father, Kunga Samten, was a key figure in the original resistance. Dorjee had written a book about his father and had dreamed of turning it into a film. With limited resources, Khymsar took on almost every creative role. He wrote the screenplay, produced, cast the film, composed the music, directed the action sequences, and directed the entire movie. It was an intense challenge but one that he describes as a personal and creative awakening.
The film was shot on location in Mustang, a rugged region high in the Himalayas near the Nepal-Tibet border. It sits at over 15,000 feet above sea level and provided an unforgiving but breathtaking backdrop. Nearly all the cast were first-time actors, many of whom had personal ties to the original 4R6R warriors. Despite having only a month of rehearsals and just 19 days to shoot, they delivered raw and moving performances. Khymsar even trained them in horseback riding in just one week and insisted that they not shower throughout filming to help them physically and mentally connect with their roles as warriors.
Among the standout performances are Tenzin Dhondup as resistance leader Gonpo Tashi Andrugtsang, Thupten Chukatsang as Kunga Samten, and Robert Lin as the Chinese General Tan. Their portrayals bring urgency and emotional weight to the story. Khymsar also credits his cinematographer, Brandon Lee Cox, and the entire crew for helping bring his vision to life under harsh conditions.
Perhaps the boldest move came when Khymsar chose to film near the Tibetan border despite the political sensitivity of the topic in Nepal. Because the Nepalese government does not allow anti-China content, he had to submit a fake script under the title The Himalayan Robinhood to get the shooting permit. In one dangerous moment, Khymsar even jumped through fire with the camera to get the shot he needed. He soaked his hoodie in water and ran through the flames. That footage is now featured in the film and its trailer.
Four Rivers Six Ranges is making its international debut at JDIFF and headlining the festival’s International Night with a Q&A following the screening. Khymsar says he is drawn to the festival’s indie spirit and inclusive mission. He is especially excited to connect with the large Tibetan communities in the Midwest, including those in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, many of whom plan to attend the screening in Dubuque.
“This is not just a film. It is a tribute to our fallen heroes and a celebration of resistance,” Khymsar says. “We are thrilled to be part of this year’s lineup and honored to present the film at JDIFF.”
- Follow Shenpenn Khymsar on Instagram at:
- @shenpenn_singyetsang
- and follow the film at:
- @four_rivers_six_ranges_
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