Dharamshala — The Tibetan film “Four Rivers, Six Ranges” has won international award for the best soundtrack award recently and Mayor of Columbia Heights, proclaim May 3, 2025, as "4 Rivers 6 Ranges Day: A Tribute to Tibetan Defiance and Dignity" in recognition of the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and cultural preservation.
The film “Four Rivers Six Ranges” became popular among Tibetans around the world since its premiered at the 54th International Film Festival in Rotterdam on February 1, 2025. It also gained international recognition by winning the Best Soundtrack Award at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in Iowa, USA,which held from April 21 to 27, 2025. Many people were eagerly awaiting this film.
The Tibetan film showed in Columbia Heights, on May 3, 2025 and Mayor of Columbia Heights, proclaim May 3, 2025, as "4 Rivers 6 Ranges Day: A Tribute to Tibetan Defiance and Dignity" in recognition of the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and cultural preservation.
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights wrote, "The feature film Four Rivers Six Ranges documents the historic Chushi Gangdruk resistance group, which was formed in 1958 by ordinary Tibetans united in their devotion to their homeland and their Buddhist faith. Against overwhelming military occupation, they courageously secured the safe passage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile in 1959."
"In 2025, we honor the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - a global symbol of peace and compassion - who has spent 66 years in exile while steadfastly advocating for the rights, dignity, and cultural survival of the Tibetan people through nonviolent resistance. Inside occupied Tibet, the spirit of peaceful resistance continues. Despite decades of repression, religious persecution, and cultural erasure, Tibetans have preserved their language, spiritual traditions, and identity with unwavering strength," she added.
The Mayor said, "Created by Tibetans in exile, Four Rivers Six Ranges tells a story of survival, dignity, and resistance that transcends borders and calls upon all of us to stand up for human rights and justice."
"More than 6,000 Tibetan refugees call Minnesota home, including many in Columbia Heights. They enrich our city with their heritage, resilience, and enduring commitment to preserving a culture under threat," she added.
"Therefore, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, proclaim May 3, 2025, as "4 Rivers 6 Ranges Day: A Tribute to Tibetan Defiance and Dignity" in recognition of the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and cultural preservation," she said.
"Let this day serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to stand with those who resist injustice with courage, compassion, and hope," the Mayor added.
The "Four Rivers, Six Ranges" based on the Book “Flight at the cuckoo’s behest: The Life and Times of a Tibetan Freedom Fighter” by Kunga Samten Dewatshang. The Film was shot in the Himalayan Mountains of Mustang, Nepal. Produced by Dorjee Wangdi Dewatshang and written, produced, music and directed by Shenpenn Khymsar. Main actors Tenzin Dhondup and Thupten Chukhatsang and other actors including Tenzin Rigzin, Tashi Kalden, TEn B. Jigmey, Palden Dikhang, Madon Nyima, Pema Tsamchoe, Tenzein Choden, Namjaytsang Abukarma, Sherap Gyaltsen and Tadming Arts etc.
Chushi Gangdruk (Four Rivers, Six Ranges) was officially founded on June 16, 1958 on the initiative of Andrug Gompo Tashi and Tibetans who were determined to fight against the Chinese armies when they invaded Tibet. The Chushi Gangdruk fought the People's Liberation Army from 1956 to 1974, until the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) stopped its support for the guerrilla group.
