08/06/2026
The Tibetan Film Season at Kagyu Samye Dzong London concludes this Thursday!
Week Four: The Diaspora Lens
Join us on Thursday evening for a double bill of short films starring Pema Sh*tsetsang, “Royal Cafe” directed by Tenzin Dasel and “My Sweet Pala” directed by Tao Okamoto, recent winner of the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for “All of a Sudden” by Hamaguchi Ryusuke.
“Royal Café”, directed by Tenzin Dazel
2016, FRANCE, SHORT, 39 mins
Dazel, a young Swiss-born Tibetan woman staying in Paris, abandons her humdrum life to pursue her dream of becoming a filmmaker. In the process, she discovers Royal cafe, a small Sri Lankan eatery in the Chapelle area that serves Tibetan food and is frequented by exile Tibetans. As she passes time in the café, looking for inspiration and a cast for her film, Dazel’s life unfolds alongside the desires, disappointments and loneliness of her fellow diners. Royal Café eschews stereotypes of Tibetans living in exile to portray the simple realities of their lives.
“My Sweet Pala”, directed by Tao Okamoto
2025, USA, SHORT, 22 mins
Born to Tibetan refugee parents, eleven-year-old Pema is torn between her father’s efforts to preserve their heritage and her longing to fit into American life. When a troubling event shakes her world, she begins to understand her family’s sacrifices.
We are delighted that Pema Sh*tsetsang will be joining us for our final session at KSDL for a discussion after the films with TFF London director Kunsang Kelden. The Zurich based actress will share her experiences as a Tibetan woman in the Swiss film and television industry and about Tibetan filmmaking in the diaspora.
📅 Thursday, 11 June 2026 | 7:00 PM (Feel free to arrive earlier as the cafe is open!)
📍Kagyu Samye Dzong London, 15 Spa Rd, SE16 3SA
🔗Tickets/Info: Click the link in our bio to book your spot!
