Written by John Edward Betancourt  Still from ‘Mola: A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss’ Courtesy of YangZoom Films. Something we don’t discuss all that often in our modern world or prepare for, is the end of our lives. Because for the vast majority of the time we are on this Earth, we rightfully think of the moment, of all the wonder the days bring us, and we feel so good and so vibrant that the thought of pondering upon our death… much less preparing for it… seems preposterous. But we must at some point, because while the end of our life is the closing chapter of our story, there is still so much more about us to be written. For those we leave behind will miss us and cherish the time they had with us, and tell stories of who we were and so… in silence… we begin to prepare for the next adventure. Which for the vast majority of us, entails preparing our Last Will and Testament. So that our family is taken care of, and we of course… must choose how we will rest after our last breath escapes our lips. For it is important to be in a place that reflects the person we become in memories. Which is why so many of us choose the place we will be buried if that’s how we want our body to rest, or where our ashes will be spread. But what’s truly fascinating about our world is that these thoughts, and this process are really central to western and developed nations. Where such matters can peacefully happen often, and because of that… we don’t really cherish what a gift that can be. Because there are places in this world, where such peaceful endings aren’t possible. Where there is only indignity in death, and the horrors and troubles of those nations, also prevent some of their citizens from choosing a final resting place that is comfortable and reflective of the life they lived. All of which are matters we should be aware of, and the time has come to discuss the fact that death is inevitable, and that is why a documentary that recently screened at SXSW is of note. For it breaches those subjects in a powerful manner in Mola: A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss. Which introduces us to Kunsang Wangmo, otherwise known as Mola. A 100-year-old woman that also happens to be a Tibetan monk who was exiled from her country ages ago, and well… when we meet her in this story, she has quite the wish. For she knows her life is nearing its end, and she wants nothing more… than to go home and pass away in the country that remains her home.  Which really is… the perfect way in which to explore the duality of the world and how not everyone gets to choose a plot that is perfect to be buried within, and how that can be traumatizing and concerning for those who don’t get that wish. Because there is peace to be found in leaving on our terms and that leads to a powerful exploration about how politics and rhetoric and nonsense, can cause great harm in such matters and truly, our eyes are opened here. Since this isn’t something, we deal with in America or other western nations and that is something that gives one great pause. Because it isn’t right that only a handful of people get that kind of peace when all deserve it, and that is something that will absolutely spark discussion for certain, and yet… there’s so much more that this documentary has to offer audiences.
Because in many ways… this is a grand story that explores… what our final days look like. Because Mola is indeed quite aware of her advanced age and knows that her time is limited and that allows for us to see what those discussions with family members look like when we start to plan our exit from this world. Which makes for powerful, powerful moments that point out our mortality, and it also leads… to some incredible reflection. Wherein Mola spends a great deal of time pondering upon her journey in life, and the choices made and the hardships that she’s faced. That in turn, makes this a celebration of a life. Yet, while those elements make it sound as though this story is nothing more than a somber tale about our sometimes very unfair world and those final days, we spend upon it, there are moments of inspiration to be found here as well. Since this is also a story that reminds us, it is never too late to chase a dream, to find closure and live our life as we see fit, since Mola makes it clear what she wants, and she works hard to achieve it. But does she? Well, that is an important question to ask since it has not been answered in this review, and it will not be. Because the end of this story needs to be experienced, firsthand. So that the gravity and the beauty of this journey can be full realized. For this particular story is something quite special, quite revolutionary, courtesy of its raw and visceral examination of topics that we hide from but should not. For there is great beauty and great lessons to be found when we stand on the precipice of the end, if we are willing to share what we see and know.
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