Autonomous University of Madrid Hosts Seminar on the Life and Works of Renowned Tibetan Writer and Filmmaker Pema Tseden

Madrid: Chinese Liaison Officer for European countries, Sangyal Kyab from the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, delivered a talk on Tibet and the current situation inside Tibet during a seminar held at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Autonomous University of Madrid), Spain, on 6 May 2025.

The main theme of the seminar, organised by the university’s Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, focused on the literary works and films of renowned Tibetan writer and filmmaker Pema Tseden. The event featured presentations by former AP News Beijing correspondent Isolda Morillo and Chinese Liaison Officer Sangyal Kyab. It was moderated by Professor Pilar González España from the Department of Philosophy and Literature.

Introducing the speakers, Professor González noted that Isolda Morillo had translated Pema Tseden’s novels Tharlo and Balloon from Chinese into Spanish and had also interviewed the late filmmaker. She further explained that Sangyal Kyab hails from the same hometown as Pema Tseden and that both attended the same school.

Isolda Morillo began the session with a brief overview of Pema Tseden’s life, his literary and cinematic journey, and his role in shaping Tibetan cinema. Following her talk, Sangyal Kyab discussed how Pema Tseden was shaped by a unique historical context, his educational path, the inspiration behind his creative works amid dramatic societal changes, the challenges he faced under China’s tight censorship, and his enduring intellectual legacy.

The presentations were followed by a Q&A session with students and faculty. During the discussion, Chinese Liaison Officer Sangyal Kyab elaborated on the Middle Way Approach envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the current situation inside Tibet, and the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing repressive and assimilative policies in the region.

-Report filed by Tibet Bureau Geneva