Mustang—Journey of Transformation

This is not a film about the taming of wild horses, but rather a look at the isolated Himalayan kingdom of Mustang, one of the last sanctuaries of true Tibetan Buddhist culture. When China invaded Tibet in 1951, much of Tibet’s unique culture was destroyed, but Mustang, which was annexed to Nepal, kept its customs intact because of its remote location. But the fifteenth-century monasteries of Mustang were falling into ruin. With help from what had been unwelcome Western influence and education, the people of Mustang were taught how to embrace their culture and restore their monasteries and religious art. The process gave locals not only a sense of pride, but also a reason to stay. —MD