Thinley Lhamo, the lead actor in the Nepali film ‘Shambhala’, was awarded the prestigious Boccalino d’Oro Prize for Best Acting Performance at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

Lhamo was honoured for her role in Min Bahadur Bham’s film, the film's team said in a press release on Saturday. “This is a historic win and a first-of-its-kind recognition of a South Asian actor,” it said.

The team ‘Shambhala’ said that Lhamo portrays Pema, a Dolpo woman in a polyandrous marriage who embarks on a perilous journey into the unforgiving Himalayan wilderness, which transforms into a personal odyssey to self-discovery and liberation.

“Shambhala team extends our heartfelt congratulations to Lhamo and the entire team on this extraordinary accomplishment,” it said. “Not only is this award recognition of Lhamo’s exceptional performance but also a testament to the emerging Nepali talents. It highlights the region's growing influence on the global cinematic stage.”

The team has dedicated the award to their fellow Nepali filmmakers and the inspiring, resilient, and spirited women of the Nepali Himalayas and the globe.