A thought-provoking glimpse of Tibet
A week-long Tibetan Film Festival kicked off at the Choe Khor Sum Ling Centre (Three turnings of the wheel of dharma) recently. A combination of 16 films and documentaries to be screened till May 19 will explore Tibet’s timeless spiritual and cultural traditions and its troubled political history.
Among the movies being shown are Leaving Fear Behind by Dhondup Wangchen and Jigme Gyatso, Unwinking Gaze by Joshua Dugdale, Richard Gere Is My Hero by Ahi Wangchuk and Tsultrim Dorjee (May 19) and others. “Most of the movies at the festival are sensitive and political in nature but the festival is not about emphasising or implementing any political motive but wishes to spread the message of peace and religious harmony,” said Rauf from the Centre, while adding, “I hope that after the festival one would make his or her own decision.”
The festival premiered with a documentary called The Tibetans: A Life In Exile by Robb Bradstock. This documentary examined the difficulties confronting the Tibetans in exile as they struggle to adapt to the increasing intrusion of the modern world. It also showcases the lifestyle of monks and nuns who wish to give up everything to preserve their culture.
Filmed in the colourful town of Dharamshala in the Himalayas, this documentary powerfully illustrates the growing conflict between the traditional Tibetan culture and encroaching outside influences.
The documentary also featured Dalai Lama and several other prominent community figures who spoke with passion and conviction about the gravity of the situation and the hope for their future.
The documentary set a good tone and a background for the next movie, Kundun by Martin Scorsese, which also pulled in a lot of people. Portraying Dalai Lama as the fourteenth incarnation of Buddha, this classic, is the biography of the young Dalai Lama and his struggle.
With breathtaking photography, the film sure did give a good start to the festival. For details, call 41486497.
