Q. Tell us about yourself. What drives your passion for storytelling through animation and filmmaking?

My name is Tsering Lhanzes, and I am from Nubra Valley. I have a master's degree in Animation Film Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. I love art and storytelling, and animation allows me to combine these passions.

Animation fascinates me because it can cross language and cultural barriers, making it a powerful way to tell stories. It lets me use visuals, sound, and emotion to create messages that connect with people. Filmmaking helps bring these animated stories to life in a way that feels real and engaging.

My education and work experiences have shaped how I tell stories. I am inspired by how visual storytelling can make people feel, think, and talk about important social and environmental issues. Through my work, I want to celebrate my cultural heritage and explore themes that everyone can relate to.

I am always looking for new ways to be creative and inspiring in animation and filmmaking. My goal is to create works that have a lasting impact and add positively to the world of art and culture.

Q.Your film “Taar” has been selected for various international film festivals. Tell us about it. How does it feel to showcase your work on a global platform, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?

"Taar" is a special project for me as it explores the significant impacts of climate change on my homeland, Ladakh. Being selected for various international film festivals is a great honor. It’s not just about presenting my work; it’s about highlighting the urgent environmental issues our region faces.

Showcasing "Taar" on a global stage is incredibly rewarding. It gives me a chance to raise awareness about Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem and the resilience of its people dealing with environmental challenges. Through animation, I hope to create empathy and understanding among viewers worldwide, showing how interconnected we are with nature.

I want audiences to see "Taar" as a prompt for reflection and action. I hope they understand the real and immediate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities like Ladakh. More than just awareness, I want the film to inspire discussions on sustainable practices and collective efforts to protect our planet for future generations.

Q.Your illustrations and designs often feature Ladakhi motifs and themes. How do you balance traditional inspiration with modern appeal?

Creating art within the Ladakhi context is something I absolutely love. I truly believe in the beauty of our culture, being a Ladakhi myself, and it is what I know best. Growing up immersed in this culture, it naturally influences my work. When I first tried creating a story, my initial instinct was to begin the story with an "Abi" and a "may-may," which made me realize the deep connection I have with the stories I heard as a child and their impact on me.

In terms of balancing traditional inspiration with modern appeal, I prioritize authenticity in portraying inspiration and the design language that needs to be considered. My goal is to create genuine representations that resonate with my heritage and personal experiences.

Q. Tell us about your book' Acho, Nomo and the Yak's published by DIET. How long does it take to illustrate a book?

I always wanted to write and illustrate a children book.  Acho, Nomo, and the Yak was the first children's book I wrote and illustrated, and I was more focused on learning and understanding the process. I had great fun working on it, and it was truly a childhood dream come true. Growing up, I had minimal encounters with local Ladakhi children's books, so creating one was a very satisfying experience. The book is about two siblings looking for their lost yak. The book is available in both English and Bhoti languages. It has been distributed to the government schools in Ladakh. The process, including writing the story, illustrating, and layout, took around two months, not counting the Bhoti translation and final text editing.

Q. What role do you believe art and storytelling play in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, especially in Ladakh?

Art and storytelling play an essential role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, particularly in Ladakh, by capturing and conveying the unique traditions, customs, and folklore of the region. These mediums serve as vital tools for educating younger generations and raising awareness among outsiders, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down and understood widely. They foster a strong sense of identity and pride within the community, bridging generational gaps and connecting elders with the youth. Additionally, by promoting Ladakhi culture through art, the region can attract tourism and economic benefits, supporting local artists and communities. Ultimately, art and storytelling keep Ladakh's rich cultural heritage alive and relevant, enabling it to thrive in the modern world while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Q.As a woman from the Nubra Valley in the film industry, have you faced any challenges? How do you hope to inspire others from the region?

 As a woman from Nubra Valley navigating the film industry, I've encountered several challenges typical of being a minority in a predominantly male field. Access to resources, networking opportunities, and societal expectations can often present hurdles. However, these challenges have fuelled my determination to succeed and have strengthened my resolve to pave the way for others.

I hope to inspire fellow women and aspiring filmmakers by demonstrating that passion, skill, and persistence can overcome obstacles. Representation matters deeply, and by showcasing diverse perspectives and stories from our region, we can enrich the global cinematic landscape and inspire future generations to embrace their creativity.

Through my work, I hope to create opportunities for more people to share their stories. It's about building a supportive community where everyone's talent and hard work are recognized, no matter their background or gender, and where every storyteller can make a meaningful impact.

Q. You have transitioned from working on personal projects to establishing Rhungs Studio. What challenges have you faced in setting up your own studio, and what are your long-term goals for Rhungs Studio?

Transitioning from personal projects to establishing Rhungs Studio has brought several challenges and exciting opportunities. Managing the logistical and administrative aspects, like securing funding, finding the right workspace, and navigating legal and business requirements, has been a primary challenge. Building a team that shares the same vision and passion for Ladakhi culture and storytelling has required careful selection and collaboration.

Another significant challenge has been balancing creative aspirations with the practicalities of running a business. Ensuring a steady flow of projects, managing deadlines, and maintaining high-quality output while fostering an innovative and supportive work environment are ongoing tasks.

Despite these challenges, the long-term goals for Rhungs Studio are ambitious and inspiring. The primary aim is to create a platform that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh through various forms of art and storytelling, making it accessible to both local and global audiences. This includes producing animated films, children's books, and other creative projects that highlight Ladakhi traditions, folklore, and contemporary stories.

Additionally, Rhungs Studio aspires to become a hub for nurturing local talent, providing opportunities for artists, writers, and filmmakers from the region to develop their skills and collaborate on projects. By doing so, we hope to enrich the cultural landscape and create a supportive community for creative minds in Ladakh.

Q.How do you hope your work inspires young artists and storytellers from Ladakh and beyond? What advice would you give to young artists and filmmakers from the region who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

As a 2D animation filmmaker and children's book illustrator, I aspire to ignite the imagination of young artists and storytellers from Ladakh and beyond. Through my work, I aim to showcase the beauty of storytelling through animation and illustration, encouraging them to explore their own narratives rooted in their unique cultural backgrounds. I hope to inspire a sense of pride in their heritage and empower them to share their stories with the world, bridging local traditions with universal themes.

For young artists and filmmakers in Ladakh who dream of pursuing a similar path, my advice is rooted in dedication, learning, and community. Continuously hone your skills, embracing both traditional techniques and modern tools. Seek out mentors and peers who can offer guidance and constructive feedback. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't shy away from experimenting with new styles and methods. Your journey will be shaped by perseverance and a genuine passion for storytelling that reflects the richness of your culture and personal experiences. By staying true to your artistic voice and engaging with the global artistic community, you can carve out a path that honours your roots while making a meaningful impact on audiences worldwide.

Message to the readers

“Embrace creativity to uplift our community and celebrate our cultural heritage. Let's build a future where artistic endeavors thrive, creating economic opportunities and fostering pride. Together, we can make a meaningful impact through our creative expressions.”