Tibetan Girl, 9, Awarded Best Actress as New Talent

Yangchen Lhamo, a 9-year-old girl of Tibetan minority from northwest China's Qinghai Province, won the Best Actress Award for "River" on June 19 at the Asian New Talent Awards of the 18th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF).

As the only professional awards of their kind in Asia, the Asian New Talent Awards have come newly upgraded for this years' annual film festival, adopting a "nomination system" to recognize new talents. Having been established for over a decade, the awards set forth the objective of promoting "Asian, Chinese and New Talent" features among movies.

According to the official website of the SIFF, movies eligible to register for the six awards of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography include the first two works of Asian directors, actors, actresses, screenwriters, and cinematographers. Also, in order to be eligible, the works need to have been produced after January 1, 2014 and must be no less than 70 minutes in length, released or not.

Replicating an Ordinary Life

Hailing from the same birthplace as Lhamo, director Sonthar Gyal aimed to present his film in the voice of the local people. And in a film meant to demonstrate the strength of paternal love, Lhamo couldn’t have made Gyal more proud of his choice, playing a central role in tying together the connections between three generations.

In Gyal's eyes, the film needed to be shot at the place that best encapsulated the nostalgia he held for his youth. Gyal's deep affection for his homeland was considered as the main reason behind the film. In addition, he also wanted to shoot a film centered on the love that Chinese children — especially girls — have toward their elders.

As a matter of fact, it was by mere chance that Gyal happened upon the budding star Lhamo, whom he discovered upon returning to his hometown for a regular shoot.

"When I saw her for the first time, Lhamo showed herself to be a creative child filled with promise. Because of her natural, unaffected performance style and genuine skills, Lhamo was viewed by many as a 'little Zhou Xun' [an internationally acclaimed Chinese actress and singer]," said Gyal.

"However, after winning the award, [it is possible that] Lhamo will face other problems. I hope that the fame and praise will not disrupt her normal and pure life, because ensuring that she continue to grow up healthy is the most important thing, I think," her director added.

"I feel so happy," answered Lhamo when reporters asked how she felt after being named Best Actress for "River."

Other Honorable Mentions

Iranian film "13," filmed by director Hooman Seyedi, took home Best Film at the SIFF.

The movie provides a fresh, novel story about a 13-year-old boy who, while trying to help his parents mend their relationship with one another, meets a little girl with whom he embarks on an adventure of their own.

(Source: media.people.com and kangbatv.com/Translated and edited by Women of China)