Daughter of the Light follows the journey of 13-year-old Metok Karpo. Enrolled in a
Tibetan boarding school for orphans, she grapples with the presence of divorced
parents who remain alive yet distant. On a school break, Metok sets forth on an
extraordinary pilgrimage – a journey back to her native region to seek the father she yearns to understand, only to realise that he has built a new, happy family.

Set against a rapidly changing society, this young girl’s story invites contemplation about Tibet, where age-old nomadic traditions and family dynamics entangle with the shifts of the modern world.
 

Director’s Statement
Since the end of 2016, my team and I have been working on this story that intimately explores the deep inner world of a girl who was abandoned by her parents at an early age. This left a shadow in her heart as she grew up. Every day, she tries to overcome her pain by finding adventure in her daily life and striving to seize her own destiny.

The film's stories of inner shadows and the obstacles between the daughter and
parents can surely be found in similar forms everywhere around the world. I hope this film – a journey of exploring the human heart – will transcend cultural and geographic boundaries to bring hope and reflection to those children who have problematic relationships with their parents, as well as to parents or those who want to be parents one day.

We've titled the film "Daughter of the Light," referring to Tibetan children who live on the plateau, the place closest to the sun on Earth, and in the hope that they will have a bright future.

About the Director
KHASHEM Gyal, a filmmaker from the Amdo region of Tibet, narrates tales of individual struggles amidst Tibet's evolving social landscape. His debut short documentary, "Valley of the Heroes," delves into the intricate linguistic and cultural transitions in Tibet, earning recognition at numerous global film festivals and universities.

His inaugural feature, "Daughter of the Light," clinched the prestigious "Colours of Asia Award" at the 2017 Tokyo Docs Pitching Forum. In 2018, Khashem was nominated for the Adeste Gold Medal, an accolade reserved for global citizens under 40 who have
excelled in inspiring others.

Festivals / Awards
2020, FIRST Youth Film Festival, Best Documentary (Nominee)
2022, Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival,
- Best First Feature Documentary Award (Nominee)
- China Story-Best Feature Documentary Award (Nominee)
- Best First Feature Documentary Award (Nominee)