Inspired by true events, our story follow two young Tibetan boys, Palden and Nyima, escaping Tibet and arriving at a Tibetan monastery-in-exile nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas. Here they receive their ordination and orientation into monastic life.

Once ordination formalities are completed, the boys are thrown into a whirlwind of unexpected events not usually associated with the austere atmosphere of a traditional Tibetan monastery - the World Cup Soccer Final in on and football fever is running hot throughout the hallowed hallways. Soccer slogans are seen everywhere and the chanting of young monks is not always in a traditional vein, much to the distress of Geko, the monastery's disciplinarian.

Orygen, Palden's room-mate, is a fearless and cheeky 14-year-old football-obsessed monk. Along with his faithful sidekick Lodo, he involves Palden in a midnight misadventure to see a semi-final World Cup match at a local shop. They are caught in the act by Geko, adding to his constant consternation about the young monks non-academic pastime.

Explusion from the monastery is looming for the boys and a solution must be found. The wise, compassionate Abbot and his faithful, but frazzled, Geko try to come to terms with the soccer-mad monks.

A film by Khyentse Norbu. Casts include Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling, Jamyang Lodro and Lama Chonjor.

Awards:
  • Munich Film Festival - One Future Award - Khyentse Norbu
  • Pusan International Film Festival - FIPRESCI Award - Khyentse Norbu

Nominated:
  • European Film Awards - Five Continents Award - Khyentse Norbu