The Sisters arrive at Asian Art Museum for Member Movie Night screening of “Snow Leopard Sisters” – Photo: SLC
The air was filled with a buzz inside the elegant and historic grandeur of Samsung Hall with its timeless and stunning beaux arts architecture of travertine marble walls, high ceiling and gorgeous crystalline chandelier. A truly stunning setting to take in the intimate footage and visually appealing cinematography of the feature documentary, Snow Leopard Sisters.
The film follows Snow Leopard Conservancy’s (SLC) long-standing local partner, conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama, and her 17-year-old apprentice Tenzin Bhuti Gurung, as they trek through the treacherous yet breathtaking backdrop of the remote Dolpo Himalayas in search of the elusive and endangered snow leopard.
The Sisters (Tshiring Lhamu Lama, Sonam Choekyi Lama, & Tenzin Bhuti Gurung) rounded out their three-week Snow Leopard Sisters U.S. film tour with three screenings to sold-out audiences in San Francisco, June 2 – 6, 2025. The Asian Art Museum event was bookended by the first stop on the SF tour hosted by the Battery Foundation for its Battery Powered members and the final event, SLC’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson welcomes AAM members to a near capacity audience of 240 attendees – Photo: SLC
Member Movie Night
On Thursday June 5th, made possible through a collaborative partnership with SLC, San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum (AAM) hosted the Sisters for Member Movie Night, a film screening of Snow Leopard Sisters. The event was open to AAM members of all levels with reserved seating available to Patron and Friend levels. AAM members clamored to get rush tickets as others arrived. Guests ascended the Wilbur Grand Staircase to the dramatic Dodson Loggia with its barrel vaulted ceiling and stately columns to fill adjacent Samsung Hall to near its theatre seating capacity with 240 attendees.
Following the film screening, Fulbright Visiting Scholar and Curator of Nepal Art Council, Swosti Rajbhandari Kayastha, joined as moderator of the Q&A panel discussion, engaging with the Sisters and SLC Executive Director Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson on topics of conservation, religion, and female empowerment. Swosti’s focus on Nepali cultural heritage studies brought a deeply informed perspective on both Nepali artistic traditions and contemporary practices to the discussion. Swosti then opened it up to the floor to take questions from those in attendance. Inspired, many from the audience stayed afterward to meet and engage in warm and lively conversation with the Sisters.
Swosti Rajbhandari Kayastha, Danielle Hobart, & attendee watch Tshiring Lhamu Lama present Amy Fong with a Snow Leopard Journey kata – Photo: SLC
Asian Art Museum – Become A Member
San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum is home to one of the most complete collections of Asian art in the world. Celebrate local and international artists and experience art with a global impact at the Asian Art Museum. Become a member today to unlock a year of inspiration and fresh perspectives.
Members receive priority access to special exhibition tickets and invitations to members-only celebrations and events. Find the perfect membership for you. Questions? Contact the friendly AAM team at members@asianart.org or call 415.581.3740.
