Tulli has focused on the art styles of Tibetans that are slowly dying out or are fighting a losing battle against extinction. Shot in 2006, the film was recently shown as part of the Public Service Broadcasting Trust’s screening of films based on art issues in Delhi. Art in Exile features prominent activists and artists in the Tibetan struggle who are making a pitch for their art.

Tibetan art is primarily sacred art, with an overriding influence of Tibetan Budhism. The film features the art of making Thangka paintings and handwoven styles of Tibetan rugs. “I was intrigued by the Thangka style of paintings. But in my research I discovered more such beautiful and traditional art forms that were struggling to survive,” says Tulli.

Her journey began when her husband Ashraf Abbas visited the Norbulingka in Dharamshala, which actively supports Tibetan art. Tulli went along and saw artists hard at work at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts where she features young artists who are keeping alive the old Tibetan traditions. Prominent poet and activist Tenzin Tsundue and former president of the Tibetan Youth Congress Lhasang Tsering are featured prominently in the film.

Though the film is about the arts, one cannot help but notice the strong undercurrent of activism. “That was an unavoidable consequence of making this film. Any issue that concerns Tibetans merges with their struggle for independence,” explains Tulli.