Summary:
This film presents the inspiring and tragic situation of the oldest non-violent resistance in history. For 50 years, the Tibetan people have been engaged in a struggle to preserve their unique culture in the midst of an unwanted occupation by the People’s Liberation Army of China. During that time the death of 1.2 million Tibetans and the destruction of over 6,000 monasteries are attributed to the occupation. The oppression involves religious intolerance, censorship, forced re-education, sterilization, illegal imprisonment, execution and torture.
March 10th, 2008 marked the 49th anniversary of the occupation of Tibet, It is also the 49th anniversary of the exile of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama. In the largest protests in Tibetan history, tens of thousands rose up to voice their opposition and to demand their basic human rights. Despite China’s brutal attempts to destroy the Tibetan spirit, Tibetan resistance has endured and continues to gather international support. With the upcoming 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, the eyes of the world are focused on China. In an unprecedented series of actions, Tibetans and supporters worldwide began protesting the Chinese government’s use of the Olympics as a political tool to legitimize it’s illegal occupation of Tibet.
As one of the longest non-violent struggles, Tibet seems to be at the crossroads in its relationship with China, and the world with it; What’s at stake is the success of people everywhere to address injustice through non-violent means. Will the occupation eradicate the Tibetan culture? Will desperate Tibetans strike back with violence and armed conflict? Will negotiations resume between the two governments?
In March and April, 2008 we went to Dharamasala, India, the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile and home to the largest group of the Tibetan diaspora. Through interviews with Tibetan exiles, activists, political figures, ex-political prisoners, monks, nuns, and through documenting current events, we will address these profound questions.
The work will chronicle the Tibetan non-violent movement for autonomy and justice inside and outside of China’s borders, the international protests of the Chinese Olympic Torch, Buddhist philosophy of compassion and non-violence, creative strategies for resistance and cultural preservation, political relationships between China, Tibet and the international community.
We will inform people with more than simple facts and expert statements, by showing them successful outcomes and methods, and also provide beautiful and moving stories, captivating imagery and timeless journeys into the questions that we face as a globally aware culture.
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