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Synopsis

So Many Socks is about young Tashi, his mother (Ama) and his grandmother (Momo), and their struggle to come to terms with a life in exile. Tashi lives in Delhi with his friends. On the eve of a protest, he receives news that his grandmother was shot in the head. Momo is brought home by two Tibetans. While she lies in a coma, Tashi finally hears his family’s story from Ama. Momo had followed her husband from Tibet but could not find him in India. Despite extreme hardship, she was determined to build a new life in a new land. Her daughter, denied her own culture and history, grew up rootless and angry about the burden of living in exile. They survived through labouring and by selling hand-knitted sweaters and socks. As a teenager, Ama had run away with a tourist, hoping for a different life. She ultimately returned with an infant in her arms. Her mother accepted daughter and grandson with an open heart. Ama worked hard and tried to set up her own shop. However, local conflicts led to its destruction. Tashi was raised to assimilate as an Indian. Yet, he too grew up with a sense of alienation and anger. Tashi works to raise awareness about the mistreatment of Tibetans, and the self-immolation by monks in protest. Unknown to Tashi, his Ama goes to the border, uncertain of what she will do next. Terrified that her daughter may be in danger, Momo follows her and crosses over into Tibet. Tashi’s friends try to protest the violence done to his grandmother, but are detained for not seeking prior police permission. When Ama discovers that Tashi may have been planning to harm himself, she strives to repair their bond.

Duration

100   Minutes

No of characters

17