Independent Film Festival Boston 2009

Shot in the remote villages and monasteries of Nepal, this remarkable documentary takes the viewer into the heart of an ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition. When Geshe Lama Konchog, a revered Buddhist master, dies at the age of 84, his closest disciple, Tenzin Zopa, is left lonely and without direction, having said goodbye to his family as a child to follow Geshe-La for 21 years. Still, Tenzin is surprised when he is the one chosen for the immense responsibility of seeking out Geshe-La’s “unmistaken reincarnation.” Great care must be taken to find the correct child.

To perform this task, the monks first consult ancient divination to determine the probable location of Geshe-La’s reincarnation. After estimating this place, Tenzin must travel by foot from village to village, interviewing each family with a son who was born after Geshe-La’s death. If a promising child is found, he will be subjected to a series of tests that eventually lead to His Holiness the Dali Lama. If he is confirmed, the boy’s family will be asked to give him up, possibly never to see him again.

Dreams, premonitions, and intuition guide Tenzin on his sacred quest, and both disappointment and hope await him. Fascinating and emotionally gripping, UNMISTAKEN CHILD explores a depth of faith and sacrifice rarely captured on film.

- Kristina Aikens