Born in 1989, Phuljung left Chinese-occupied Tibet at the age of six, making the long trek to India. He was educated at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) school in Dharamshala and, in 2004, was recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Rinpoche Yeshi Chophel, who dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism.

After his education at TCV, Phuljung became a monk and studied Buddhist philosophy for six years in southern India. Upon giving up his orders, he discovered a passion for the arts – particularly cinematography – and is renowned for his films on the Tibetan community. Phuljung is an exceptional guide – young, jovial and eager to share his philosophical knowledge.

“I want to continue to make films,” he says, “not only in Tibet but also to promote spiritual values. Individuals around the world sentence themselves to suffering because of their negative thoughts and actions. I believe that exposing them to a different, probably more liberating way of thinking will benefit everyone and ultimately the whole of society.”