Andrea and I have returned from an incredibly successful trip in India and I wanted to share with you the milestones we have achieved and the current and future plans of our film project. We are deeply grateful with how magical this trip has unfolded; from the tremendous support from our community, to the incredible connections that arose in the Tibetan Exile community.
We also interviewed Mary Gendler, who has been doing non-violent training here in India with the Tibetans for over 15 years! She was also close with the King family and involved with the March on Selma.
A few nights ago we did an audio-only interview with 6 ex-political prisoners - Tibetan Monks that had all been tortured and imprisoned by the Chinese Government. They did not want their faces to be shown for fear that the Chinese Governement will persecute their families back in occupied Tibet.
In addition we have been befriended by a wonderful couple here - Ronny and Rebecca Novick. Rebecca works for KPFK radio in Los Angeles, and Ronny does video documentary work. They have a fantastic website: http://thetibetconnection.org
Together with Ronny and Rebecca we are going to create a website “tibetin49seconds.org” where we will have a youtube video contest for people to submit their 49 second videos on the subject of Tibet. Stay tuned on that one…
I’m excited to start the editing process. We are starting to review some of our tapes while here…. its been such a whirlwind!
We are planning a couple of screenings here this week, one at KhanaNirvana Cafe, to share some of the footage from San Francisco - I think the Tibetans will get a kick out of seeing the thousands of protesters in SF as well as hearing the inspirational words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (see video below)
Anyhow that’s the update… We are still planning more interviews and some trips to some monasteries… stay tuned!
Tom
here’s is a video of Desmond Tutu speaking on April 8th in SF. By SazzyV (My footage is in the process of being transcoded!)
(For further updates, I’ve set up a mailing list. Please visit this page: sepeblog.com/free-tibet/ to sign up.)
Just a quick update to let you know that I have arrived safely and without hassle in McLeod Gange, the small town above Dharamsala, India this morning!
WOW.
Hard to believe that a couple weeks ago I was asking for assitance, and now the help of my community has sent me to the heart of the Tibetan exile community. Its thrilling and unbelieveable!
Andrea and I just had a fantastic brainstorming lunch and are developing and clarifying our vision for the project.
Before leaving I was able to get some great footage of the Olympic Torch Protests in SF, as well as the Tibetan Fredom Torch Candle light Vigil where Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Richard Gere as well as many other incredible people spoke… not to mention the GG bridge action and the March To Tibet event in SF at 1015 Folsom. I’ve also already done about 10 interviews before I even got here! Its amazing how this is all unfolding! Big shoutout to Heather Hill for assisting with filming and for Caylee Sitz for rockstar support.
I’ve posted a couple things on my youtube page:
Laurel Sutherlin Speaks @ 1015
Karsh Kale Interview with Wasfia Nazreen
So again I send my thanks! YOU are all making this possible and I encourage all of you to find out more about the Tibetan’s situation, to spread the word, and to take actions of solidarity so that this non-violent movement for freedom can suceed. For the sake of the Tibetan’s and for the sake of all people who care about peace and justice.
MARCH TO TIBET, SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1015 FOLSOM, SAN FRANCISCO
A Special Event In Support of the Tibetan People’s Uprising Movement
9pm - 4am | $15 advance, $20 door | 21+ Only
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/31859
All profits to benefit Tibetan People’s Uprising Movement: www.tibetanuprising.org
MAIN ROOM:
11:00-12:30 Cheb i Sabbah (San Francisco) www.myspace.com/chebisabbahji
12:30-02:00 FreQ Nasty (Giveback.net / Skint - UK) www.myspace.com/djfreqnasty
02:00-3:30 Karsh Kale (Six Degrees Records - NYC) www.myspace.com/karshkale
I writing to you to ask for your assistance. I am going to Dharamsala to collaborate with Andrea Vecchione, on a video documentary of recent events involving the Tibetan struggle for independence. Our goal is to document current events as they unfold by connecting with first-person accounts. Andrea is already there laying the groundwork. I am hoping to leave as soon as possible. I am standing up in solidarity with the people of Tibet against the cultural genocide enacted by the Chinese Government.
I have received partial funding to travel to India, however I am in need of funds for equipment and expenses. Therefore I am calling out to my community, to raise about $2000 for a prosumer HDDV camera, extra batteries, etc as well as part of my plane ticket.
Any Donation will assist in this endeavor. Every bit counts and will add up in the end. What’s 20 bucks?
Please, if you are able to assist me, the cause of the Tibetan people, and the struggle for truth and peace worldwide, know that my work is in service to this. Contributions can be sent to me via PayPal: thomas@tomsepe.com or by check and snailmail:
Thomas Sepe
430 Ashland St
Ashland, Or 97520
Recent Comments