The Cup / La Coupe / Phörpa (1999)

While the soccer World Cup is being played in France, two young Tibetan refugees arrive at a monastery/boarding school in exile in India. Its atmosphere of serene contemplation is somewhat disrupted by soccer fever, the chief instigator being a young student, the soccer enthusiast Orgyen. Prevented by various circumstances from seeing the Cup finals on television in a nearby village, Orgyen sets out to organize the rental of a TV set for the monastery. The enterprise becomes a test of solidarity, resourcefulness and friendship for the students, while the Lama, head of the monastery, contemplates the challenges of teaching the word of Buddha in a rapidly changing world.

Palden et Nyima, deux jeunes Tibétains, se sont enfuis de leur pays pour trouver refuge dans un monastère du nord de l'Inde. Ils reçoivent leur ordination et commencent l'apprentissage de la vie monastique. Leur vie contemplative est rapidement troublée par la fièvre que provoque la Coupe du monde de Football...

* Director: Khyentse Norbu
* Main Cast : Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling, Jamyang Lodro