KATHMANDU: Xizang Panorama, a cultural event highlighting life and nature in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, concluded on Thursday with a seminar and multiple film screenings in Kathmandu.
The event, organized by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in collaboration with Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, hosted a seminar titled “Diverse Narratives of Ethnic Imagery and Cross-Cultural Dialogue” at the university’s central library.
The seminar featured the screening of the film Where the Mighty Rivers Begin, directed by Qing Qin, which explores the wildlife of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Moderated by Shree Ram Paudel, Assistant Professor at Tribhuvan University, the seminar included speakers Yan Zhanling and Nie Cong, producers of Where the Mighty Rivers Begin and Youthful Xizang.
Speaking at the event, Yan shared his experiences and challenges during the film’s production.
“In 2010, during my first film project in Xizang, we drew inspiration from BBC’s techniques. However, when capturing the plateau, we knew we had to tell authentic stories of this land. We filmed animals as equals, using a level perspective,” he said. “Against the backdrop of melting glaciers, we reexamined humanity’s relationship with nature. The final four episodes focus on human-animal coexistence, filled with compelling narratives.”
Discussing the challenges, he added, “The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau’s complex terrain and transportation hurdles were immense. Sometimes we waited 20 days for a single shot — but it was worth it.”
Producer Nie Cong talked about the creative elements of the film, including music and pacing, which were used to emphasize certain emotional tones.
Xizang Panorama also screened six films as part of this year’s Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival. A second screening took place later in the day at QFX Cinema in Chhaya Center, where 15-minute clips from the featured films were shown.
The third and final screening was held at the Godavari Alumni Association Hall, with a showing of Days and Nights in Xizang followed by a discussion with producer Lu Yiyan.
The event aimed to introduce various aspects of life and the natural environment in the Qinghai-Xizang region to Nepali audiences through film and dialogue.
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