As the denizens of a Tibetan village prepare for their arduous annual trek to exchange salt for grain, the community's allegiances are split between aging chieftain Tinle and rebellious young Karma. Tinle tries to maintain his clout and preserve obedience to ancient customs when Karma challenges the old man's power.
Cinematography
Every frame belongs in a museum. Shot at 5,000+ meters.
Practical Effects
Real yak caravans, real Himalayan passes, real frostbite risk.
Acting
Non-professional locals who've lived this life.
Director
Eric Valli
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Eric Valli spent months living with the Dolpo-pa people before filming; the cast are actual salt traders, not actors. Thilen Lhondup had never seen a movie before acting in one.
The 'salt for grain' trade depicted had continued unchanged for over a thousand years but has since collapsed due to roads and modernization — this film documents a vanished way of life.
FR
