First Tibetan film festival in Paris

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Tibetoday
By Tenam
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Paris, 29th April 2010-- A two-day Tibetan film festival held in Paris in March by Etudiants pour un Tibet Libre (Students for a Free Tibet, France) in collaboration with the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

First ever Tibetan Film Festival in Paris. (Photos: Migmar/ Tibetoday)

A grand opening of the Festival was held on 19 March with the premiere of "Seeds", by Paris-based Tenzin Dasel, and "Sur les pas des pèlerins tibétains"(In the footsteps of Tibetan pilgrims) a film made by a young french filmmaker. This was followed by discussions with the filmmakers.

"I think the response from the public was overwhelming. I am very encouraged and delighted," said Alexis, President of SFT, France.

On the second day of the Festival eleven films, covering different issues related to Tibet were shown in the two screening rooms. Tibetan filmmaker Tash Despa was a special invitee at the screening of his film 'Undervcover in Tibet' and later answered questions from the audience.

"The aim was to introduce Tibet to the French public and also to give a more in-depth understanding of the issue," said Martha, one of the organiser. "And I think we have been successful in that endeavour," she added.

Later that afternoon an open discussion with two Tibetan filmmakers, Tash Despa and Tenzin Dazel, and Bernard Desbords, director of "Tibet : le mensonge Chinois ?". Many in in audience asked what they could do to further raise awareness about the Tibetan cause. The debate provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more about the control of Chinese government propaganda, not just inside China but also in the free world. Today, at every opportunity, the Chinese government tries to block the screening of any films that challenge the narrative of "happy Tibetans in China" as portrayed by the government propaganda.

"Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment for simply collecting the words and aspirations of Tibetans and making it into 'Leaving Fear Behind", Kunsang Lhamo said.

This shows us how the film can be an effective tool of advocacy, the organisers said. Signatures were collected to demand the release of Dhondup Wangchen.
The festival also treated the visitors to a delicious Tibetan momos, khapse and tea. Young Tibetans living in France presented a rich display of Tibetan cultural performances on the second day of the Festival. A diverse range of people attended the festival and left enriched and more aware of the Tibetan issue.

As we mark half a century of Chinese occupation of Tibet, the situation continues to deteriorate. The medium of film has a very important role to play in this struggle and a certain influence.

"Organized to mirror similar efforts worldwide by Tibet supporters, this festival has met, in all modesty, a great success", said Guillaume, Treasurer of SFT France.
The Festival provided a rare opportunity to showcase films about Tibet not only by non-Tibetans but more importantly, by Tibetans themselves.

"Though this is the first, it will surely not be the last," added Tara Lhamo.

In Pictures: