EXCLUSIVE: China sales agent Parallax Films has closed a sale to Japan of Linka Linka, the first-ever fictional feature directed by a female Tibetan filmmaker.
Japan’s Moviola has secured rights to the coming-of-age family drama, which marks the feature directorial debut of rising Tibetan writer-director Kangdrun. It received its world premiere in Tokyo’s Asian Future competition in November and will next play in the young cinema competition of Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).
The story follows Samgyi, who returns to her hometown of Lhasa to make a film about bitter memories of her childhood friend, Lhamo. As long-buried memories resurface, an unexpected reunion with Lhamo creates quiet ripples.
Kangdrun has previously explored Lhasa’s younger generation and subcultural communities. Her short film Orlo With Karma was selected at China’s FIRST Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festivals in 2025.
”Linka Linka is a gentle yet ambitious film that explores one facet of the lives of Tibetan youth, who often grapple with uncertainty regarding their cultural identity,” says Cao Liuying, Parallax’s head of international sales. “Its cinematic language thoughtfully lingers on the rhythms of daily life, offering a compelling reflection on what it means to be a ‘typical’ Tibetan in the modern world.”
Parallax, which is at Hong Kong Filmart under the Hangzhou Pavilion, previously worked with Moviola on Kong Dashan’s Journey To The West. The Japanese distributor focuses predominantly on foreign arthouse works from emerging directors and established masters of global renown.
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