We are honoured to present the inspirational story of Ani Choying Drolma at CUHK through the documentary “Ani Bond: Choying Drolma次第花開”. Following its successful premiere in Hong Kong last November, this documentary has captured the hearts of the audiences, and is expected to remain on screen until at least the end of the year—a remarkable achievement for an independent production that has garnered international recognition. It is also being showcased in Macau starting from International Women’s Day 2025.

Co-directed by Prof. Fen Jennifer LIN, Associate Professor, Department of Media and Communication; Associate Vice-President (Global Strategy), Office of the Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy), CityU, HK, and Ms. Shan BAI, an independent producer, this film has been likened as Nepal’s own “The Sound of Music”. Through ethereal Himalayan melodies, it tells a story of love, courage, and forgiveness, unfolding the legendary life of an extraordinary woman, Ani Choying Drolma, the 51 year old “Rock-star Nun”. This documentary not only aims to spotlight Drolma’s narrative but also to inspire confidence, elegance, and empowerment among young women facing similar struggles. It serves as a platform to raise awareness for those fighting for basic rights in Nepal, Hong Kong, and beyond, and to gather support for the school’s initiatives.

Following the screening, a discussion session with the Co-Directors will provide insights into Choying Drolma’s life, the challenges of production, and the impactful moments captured at Arya Tara School for girls, among other topics.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness this masterpiece. Join us on 1^st April, 2025 (Tue) at the University Library for an unforgettable screening that promises to inspire, provoke reflection, and ignite a passion for positive change. Secure your tickets now by registering at https://t.ly/rxB8a.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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“Ani Bond: Choying Drolma” Synopsis

Ani Choying Drolma, born into a family of forced marriage and domestic violence, shaved her head at a young age of 13, became a nun in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery to escape a fate similar to her mother’s, where her extraordinary gift for singing blossomed. Despite facing adversity and criticism, she defied societal norms and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately using her musical talents, as a powerful tool or even weapon, for change. She established welfare groups for nuns; created a modern (Arya Tara) school for girls from the poorest regions of Nepal, India, and Tibet, liberated her fellow sisters; built a hospital in Kathmandu; received the Freedom Award in Warsaw; championed awareness about gender inequality at the global stage; called for educational reform in Abu Dhabi; appealed for world peace in Europe; and served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Despite her unwavering dedication to her mission, Drolma carries a lingering burden in her heart, struggling to release herself emotionally from the shadows of her past. It is by honouring her father’s last wish as a way of forgiveness that she bravely faces her deep-seated traumas, finds reconciliation with her once abusive father, and ultimately achieves a profound sense of inner liberation—a genuine freedom born from inner peace.

This film is not just about Drolma’s personal triumphs but also highlights the resilience and empowerment shared by the girls at Arya Tara School. It showcases the universal struggle for freedom and the ability to overcome adversity, resonating with audiences worldwide.

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Directors

Fen Jennifer LIN:

Prof. Fen Jennifer Lin is a sociologist in the Department of Media and Communication at the City University of Hong Kong where she also serves as Associate Vice President (Global Strategy). She has written extensively and bilingually on media and journalism, information governance, state-society relations, emerging technology and innovation, and social and cultural change. Her articles have appeared in various academic journals across disciplines of sociology, media, law, political sciences, communication, and China studies, as well as in magazines and newspapers. She has won many awards, including several Top Faculty Paper Awards of the International Communication Association, William Rainey Harper and Social Science Visiting Committee Fellow, and the Robert E. Park Lectureship Award. She is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and her recent feature-length document Ani Bond has been critically acclaimed on the global stage. She obtained her BA in Economics from Peking University, MS in Statistics, and PhD in Sociology from the University of Chicago, and she was a visiting professor at Columbia University (2017-18).

Shan BAI:

Ms. Bai’s career began at the CCTV News Commentary Department, and she is now an independent director and producer. She is committed to promoting ‘dialogue of civilizations’ through imagery. With 20 years of experience across media, she has worked as a journalist, director, and producer. The Doc film Ani Bond: Choying Drolma, which she co-directed with F. Jenifer Lin won both the Best Asia-Pacific Film Award and the Audience Award at the Warsaw International Film Festival. The film Some Rain Must Fall where she served as co-producer, received the Special Jury Award in the Berlin International Film Festival. Additionally, Her works have not only been screened at international film festivals, but also have been featured on various television stations, including Switzerland’s RTS, France’s TV5MONDE, and Spain’s TVE etc.