The Sacred Arrow

Introduced by guest programmer Shelly Kraicer

Dir. Pema Tseden. 2014, 96 mins. China. DCP. In Tibetan with English subtitles. With Rinchen Dundruo, Sonam Nyima, Dekyid. A fascinating departure from Pema Tseden’s usual style, this experiment in commercial ethnic cinema is a full-blown, gorgeously shot, widescreen modern fable with professional actors and a largely Chinese crew. Handsome Nyima and brooding Dradon are two ace archers from rival villages who vie in an annual contest for the ultimate prize, the Sacred Arrow. When Dradon objects to Nyima courting his sister Dekyid, we think we know where the story is headed. But Pema Tseden surprises with an ecstatic, virtually wordless final 20 minutes, taking an unexpected character on a mystical journey. After the darkness of Old Dog, The Sacred Arrow offers something like a utopian vision of how Tibetan culture might thrive, revivifying the strength of its roots to face the future. 

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. 

Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.