Tibetan film honors those serving high-altitude communities

The Tibetan film Puruo Gangri premiered nationwide on Wednesday, depicting the spirit of perseverance and dedication of the remote Tsonyi county of the Xizang autonomous region.

Directed by Zhao Hantang and Cai Yu, the film stars Tang Shiyi, Ngakwang Rinchen, Wang Zhuocuo, and Han Wenliang, with actress Tong Liya making a special appearance. It tells a story based on the real-life experiences of grassroots cadres enduring harsh conditions to serve local communities under the high-altitude plateau environment.

Among them is Sangda Tsomo, head of Tsonyi county's branch of the Nagchu Ecological Environment Bureau, whose life embodies the challenges depicted.

"I've been rooted here for 15 years, my first journey—a 600-kilometer trek taking three days—was marked by barren landscapes and the trials of oxygen deprivation," Sangda Tsomo was quoted as saying on Lhasa Fabu, Lhasa's official WeChat account.

"I've seen colleagues leave due to the harsh conditions," she said. “Some missed moments with family, others sacrificed their lives, but the local herders and my beliefs kept me here." For her, seeing this spirit brought to the screen was an honor and a message she hopes resonates with viewers.

Director Zhao Hantang highlighted the film's creation process, which involved the crew braving temperatures as low as minus 27 degrees Celsius for a month to stay true to the real-life perseverance of those working there. “The film's title represents the emotional weight of dedication," Zhao was quoted as saying by Xizang Daily.

Zhao chose Beijing for the premiere. "This city holds countless dream-chasers embracing the same resilience as those in Xizang. Their shared spirit is what connects them."