A Tibetan-American filmmaker explores modes of resistance to Chinese occupation by speaking with activists across generations. A former Tibetan monk broke his vows and became a guerilla leader. The filmmaker's own mother followed the Dalai Lama's Middle Path and raised her family in America. A young Tibetan man attempted to self-immolate in 2006. How does the filmmaker understand his place in the struggle?

Next Life tells the story of a Tibetan family seeking moments of “temporary happiness” while living in exile in suburban America. As their father suffers from a mysterious inner pain, they turn to Buddhist medicine and spiritual teachings on death and rebirth, embracing the Tibetan concept of "Tse Chema" (reincarnation).