Unmistaken Child 2009

The documentary chronicles the profound journey of a Tibetan Buddhist monk in his quest to discover the reincarnation of his cherished teacher, the globally respected lama, Geshe Lama Konchog. Commencing its filming in October 2001, this captivating narrative spans an impressive five and a half years. At the center of this exploration is Tenzin Zopa, a modest young monk who possesses a strong command of English and served as the deceased lama’s closest disciple. His mission is to locate the child who embodies his master’s reincarnation.

Despite Tenzin’s humility, he grapples with self-doubt regarding his capability to accurately identify the rebirth of such an enlightened figure. The weight of this responsibility is overwhelming, as it is essentially laid entirely upon his shoulders.

Employing a blend of prayer, intuition, and different forms of divination, Tenzin embarks on a journey to the secluded villages in the remote Tsum Valley located on the Nepal–Tibet border. Throughout his travels, he visits numerous families and interacts with many children in search of a young boy of the appropriate age who shows a significant emotional response to one of his late master’s belongings. Yet, the journey is fraught with uncertainties; only after passing through several tests can the existence of a tulku—a reincarnated Tibetan master—be verified. Furthermore, the emotional implications of potentially uprooting a small child from his loving parents and familiar surroundings add another layer of complexity to Tenzin’s sacred mission.