Through an Exile Lens Project launching in London

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The current climate in Tibet is critical and 2008 has provided the greatest opportunity the Tibetan community has had to make its voice heard as China prepares for the forthcoming Olympics, using its platform and media spotlight to promote itself on the world stage. This project aims to support the Tibetan cause through a celebration of Tibetan visual culture, offering UK audiences the chance to discover and explore this rich and vibrant culture.

We’ve brought together an exciting selection of recent work, offering new insights into current life in Tibet and exploring the exile ‘condition’ of Tibetan refugees in India, taking a fresh, young and raw approach. We’ve achieved this through footage and images previously unseen in the UK, straight from the heart of the exile community in India and its burgeoning creative scene, providing a deeper understanding of the true reality of what it means to be Tibetan today.

See the events page for details of the forthcoming programme. We look forward to seeing you at our events soon!

London – Rich Mix events 22nd-24th July

RICH MIX – LONDON
* 22nd July – 6pm
Eclipsed: The Tragedy of Tibet
dirs Anshul Uniyal & Tarini Mehta, India 2007, 24 mins
A telling argument on the environmental and political reasons as to why India should be concerned with the Tibet issue, whilst
offering an insight into the historical links between these two fascinating cultures.

The Unwinking Gaze
dir Joshua Dugdale, UK 2008, 74 mins
A unique portrait of the Tibetan spiritual and temporal leader and his recent working life, as he seeks to lead the Tibetan people
towards a peaceful resolution with China.

* 23rd July – 6pm Shorts Programme
Art in Exile
dirs Nidhi Tuli & Ashraf Abbas, India 2006, 27 mins
Exploring the role of art in the creation and preservation of cultural identity for exiled Tibetans, from prolific activist poet Tenzin
Tsundue to offbeat rock band JJI Brothers to the more traditional arts institutes in Dharamsala, Northern India.

Chaksampa – The Yogi Who Built Iron Bridges
dir Tsering Rhitar, Nepal 2003, 30 mins
This documentary follows an amateur lhamo opera troupe as they create then perform a new work based on the life of Thangtong
Gyalpo, famed both for building iron bridges and founding Tibetan opera.

Prayers Answered
dir: Geleck Palsang, India 2005, 30 mins
In 2005, the Dalai Lama visited the village of Turtuk in a little known region of North Eastern India. Struck by the poverty in the
village, he offered local children the chance for a better education at a school for Tibetan children in Ladakh.

* 24th July – 6pm The Sacred Sites of the Dalai Lamas followed by director Q & A
dir Michael Wiese, US 2007, 76 mins
A fascinating journey into caves where early Buddhist masters meditated, monasteries where the Dalai Lamas taught and the
famous Oracle Lake, Lhamo Lhatso.
Presented by Tibet Foundaton

VENUE INFORMATION
Rich Mix
37-45 Bethnal Green Rd
London E1 6LA
nearest tube Liverpool Street
www.richmix.org.uk

tickets: £7 full / £5.50 concessions

Words of the Dalai Lama and Palden Gyatso – 6th April 2008

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My time in Dharamsala has now come to an end and 6th April proved to be a most fitting way to end this visit.In the morning, a prayer session took place at Tsuklagkhang, at which the Dalai Lama was later present. It took me back to my very first visit and the very first prayers I had attended in his presence on 12th October 2005, and it brought everything full circle for me – why I had come to this spot in the mountains in the first place and why I now keep returning to this second home -what the Tibetan community and Dharamsala have given me. Throughout this visit, I have been continually questioning my place here and yet I keep returning to the words of Norphel who I met here last summer. He told me back then, “The way I see you is that maybe you were my mother in a previous life, or maybe you are my mother in a life to come.” I was deeply touched by this sentiment and yet if I take this on board, which I feel I have to do, then I have a responsibility that ties me to this place. Equally, with Tashi May, she has become part of my world and I guess I am part of hers and I want to be present for her. So as I was sat amid hundreds of others at Tsuklagkhang I felt at peace and happy in the knowledge that I had been able to share this critical time with my Tibetan friends and colleagues, although very aware of how grave the Tibetan situation now is, and committed to doing what I can to contribute in a positive way.

The Dalai Lama stated that his address was intended for the local Tibetans and so he spoke in Tibetan. This is what he said:

Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to All Tibetans

While extending my warm greetings to all Tibetans in Tibet, I would like to share some of my thoughts.

1. Since 10th March this year, we have witnessed protests and demonstrations in almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few cities in Mainland China by students, which are the outburst of long pent-up physical and mental anguish of the Tibetans and the feeling of deep resentment against the suppression of the rights of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to distort the truth at every occasion, such as saying that Tibetans look towards the Chinese Communist Party as the “Living Buddha”, is an ultra leftist statement and smack of Han chauvinism. I am very much saddened and concerned by the use of arms to suppress the peaceful demonsatrations of Tibetan people’s aspirations that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing many deaths, and much more casualties, detention and injury. Such suppression and suffering are very unfortunate and tragic which will reduce any compassionate person to tears. I, however, feel helpless in the face of these tragic incidents.

2. I pray for all Tibetans as well s Chinese who have lost their lives during the current crisis.

3. The recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also shattered the People Republic of China’s propaganda that except for a few “reactionaries”, the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life. These protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbour the same aspirations and hopes. These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected. These protests highligh the need to find a way to resolve the issue through “finding truth from facts”. The courage and determination of those Tibetans who have, for the greater interests of Tibetan people, demonstrated their deep anguish and hopes by risking everything is commendable as the world community has acknowledged and supported the spirit of Tibetans.

4. I deeply appreciate the acts of many Tibetan Government employess and Communist Party cadres who have, without losing their Tibetan identity, shown grit and sense of what is right during the present crisis. In future, I would appeal to the Tibetan Party cadres and Government employees not to look always for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the larger interests of Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of the Tibetan people to their superiors in the Party and try to give unbiased guidance to for instigatinng and orchestrating the Tibetan people.

5. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates, Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have been sending clear messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all been encouraging the Chinese Government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial solution could be reached. We should create an opportunity for their efforts to bring about positive results. I know you are being provoked at every level but it is important to stick to our non-violent practice.

6. The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself and the Central Tibetan Administration the recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue. I have made repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. I am sure this independent body will uncover the truth. If the People’s Republic of China has any basis to back their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world. Just makign allegations is not enough.

7. For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. Since 1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole world knows this. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by similar administration that enjoys National Regional Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision making, except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defence. However, I have said it from the beginning that the Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet.

8. The hosting of the Olympic Games this year is a matter of great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I feel the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force and intimidation.

9. Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the People’s Republic of China and not with the Chinese people. Therefore, we should never cause misunderstanding or do something that will hurt the Chinese people. Even during this difficult situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and lawyers in Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathised and shown un their solidarity by issuing statements, writing articles and offering pledges of support that is overwhelming. I recently issued an appeal to the Chinese people all over the world on 28th March, which I hope you will hear and read.

10. If the present situation in Tibet continues, I am very much concerned that the Chinese Government will unleash more force and increase the suppression of Tibetan people. Because of my moral obligation and responsibility to the Tibetan people, I have repeatedly asked the concerned leadership of the PRC to immediately stop their suppression in all parts of Tibet and withdraw its armed police and troops. If this brings a result, I would also advise Tibetans to stop all the current protests.

11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetans who live in freedom outside Tibet to be extra vigilant as they voice their feelings on the developments in Tibet. We should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted as violent. Even under the most provocative of situations we must not allow our most precious and deeply held values to be compromised. I firmly believe that we will achieve success through our non-violent path. We must be wise to understand where the unprecedented affection and support for our cause stems from.

12. As Tibet is currently virtually closed and no international media is allowed there, I doubt my message will reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I hope through media and by word of mouth, it will be passed on to the majority of you.

13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appeal once again to Tibetans to practise non-violence and not waiver from this path, however serious the situation might be.

The Dalai Lama

Dharamsala

6th April, 2008

As I am about to board my plane, I am feeling a rush of all sorts of sentiments, as my eyes brim with tears from the range of emotions we have all gone through over the last two months. As I’ve said previously, this has been an extraordinary time and I’d like to thank all those who’ve shared their thoughts, feelings and sentiments with me and helped me produce the work I have been doing so far and will go on to do, Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike. Moreover, I thank them all for the inspiration, courage and spirit they have given me. The Tibetan cause has been close to my heart since 1989, the year of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize, the year of Tiananmen Square, the year when I learnt the true reality of the plight of Tibet, and I guess for all of us who’ve been observing and supporting the Tibetan movement all this time, we all feel that despite the bloodshed, the pain and the frustration, the summer of 2008 could be the brink. We are hoping that Through an exile lens will help raise greater awareness of the true reality of the history as well as the current situation in Tibet and the exile community – thoughts and imaginings of Tibet seen through an exile lens…

London ICA programme announced: 1st-7th July

Our season comes to London in July with a packed programme of events. Here are details of the ICA programme:

Tuesday 1st July

6.15pm Dreaming Lhasa + A Journey to Happiness (Cinema 2)

A passionate voyage of self-discovery taking the viewer on a fast-paced journey into Tibet’s fractured past and deep into the exile community. The film will be preceded by a five minute short film made by a student from the Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamsala, Northern India.

8pm – 1am Tibetan Shindig – Fundraiser DJ/Music Night (ICA Bar)

A Tibetan themed evening with an eclectic mix of sounds from DJs Vinita (Rocket Girl) and theGBe. From 60s pop to indie pop to contemporary Tibetan and Asian sounds, come along for a cultural diverse evening of music, sounds and images. This event will be supporting the following Tibetan NGOs and charities:

* Tibetan Children’s Village photography club

* Gu Chu Sum

* Raise Tibetan Flags Campaign

* Green Tara Foundation

Tickets: £5 / free to ICA members

Tickets now on sale: www.ica.org.uk


Wednesday 2nd July

6.30pm Kekexili: Mountain Patrol (Cinema 2)

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, a Tibetan volunteer patrol faces a life and death struggle to save the endangered Tibetan antelope.

8.30pm Blindsight + Garbages (Cinema 1)

A group of blind Tibetan students led by teacher Sabriye Tenberken and mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer go on an epic journey to climb one of the highest peaks on Earth. The film will be preceded by a five minute short film made by a student from the Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamsala, Northern India.


 

Thursday 3rd July

6.15pm Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion (Cinema 2)

Engaging personal accounts and interviews provide an insight into Tibet’s troubled past, taking us through rarely-seen rituals in remote monasteries, from the brothels and slums of Lhasa, to spectacular Himalayan peaks.


 

Friday 4th July

6.15pm Windhorse (Cinema 2)

Set in Lhasa at the time of the last uprising in Tibet in the late 1980s, Windhorse draws us into the lives of three young Tibetans as they struggle to make sense of their lives under occupation in a gripping and heartfelt story.


 

Saturday 5th July

1.00pm Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion + after screening talk/Q & A with guest speakers from International Campaign for Tibet (Cinema 1)

Engaging personal accounts and interviews provide an insight into Tibet’s troubled past, taking us through rarely-seen rituals in remote monasteries, from the brothels and slums of Lhasa, to spectacular Himalayan peaks.

4.00pm The Forbidden Team + Kitchen Stories + Q & A with directors Arnold Krøigaard & Rasmus Dinesen (Cinema 1)

The heart-warming story of the first ever international football match played by the Tibetan national football team. The film will be preceded by a five minute short film made by a student from the Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamsala, Northern India.

6.30pm Kekexili: Mountain Patrol (Cinema 2)

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, a Tibetan volunteer patrol faces a life and death struggle to save the endangered Tibetan antelope.


 

Sunday 6th July

1.15pm Windhorse (Cinema 1)

Set in Lhasa at the time of the last uprising in Tibet in the late 1980s, Windhorse draws us into the lives of three young Tibetans as they struggle to make sense of their lives under occupation in a gripping and heartfelt story.

4.30pm Shorts: Youth, Diaspora and the Search for Identity (Cinema 2)

A Brief History of Life

A touching portrait of life in exile as a young Tibetan.

Tsampa to Pizza

A coming of age drama about two Delhi students.

One Day with Rinpoche

An insight into life as a young incarnate lama living in exile today.


 

Monday 7th July

6.15pm Dreaming Lhasa + A Journey to Happiness (Cinema 2)

A passionate voyage of self-discovery taking the viewer on a fast-paced journey into Tibet’s fractured past and deep into the exile community. The film will be preceded by a five minute short film made by a student from the Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamsala, Northern India.

Edinburgh film programme announced

This season of films and photography exhibition offer new insights into current life in Tibet, exploring the exile ‘condition’ of Tibetans living as refugees, taking a fresh and young approach. Through footage and images straight from the heart of the exile community and its burgeoning creative scene, these works will provide a deeper understanding of the multiple realities of what it means to be Tibetan today.

6th June – 6.00pm The Forbidden Team + directors Q & A (Cinema 1)

The heart-warming story of the first ever international football match played by the Tibetan national football team.


7th June – 12 noon Poetry event – reading of prolific Tibetan activist Tenzin Tsundue’s poetry by Tessa Ransford, acclaimed Scottish poet and Scottish PEN

7th June – 5.45pm Kekexili: Mountain Patrol (Cinema 2)

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, a Tibetan volunteer patrol faces a life and death struggle to save the endangered Tibetan antelope.


8th June – 5.45pm Dreaming Lhasa (Cinema 1)

A passionate voyage of self-discovery taking the viewer on a fast-paced journey into Tibet’s fractured past and deep into the exile community.

 


9th June – 6.00pm Blindsight (Cinema 1)

A group of blind Tibetan students led by teacher Sabriye Tenberken and mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer go on an epic journey to climb one of the highest peaks on Earth.


10th June – 6.00pm Shorts: Youth, Diaspora and the Search for Identity (Cinema 2)

A Brief History of Life –
A touching portrait of life in exile as a young Tibetan.

Tsampa to Pizza –
A coming of age drama about two Delhi students.

Art in Exile –
The role of art in the creation and presevration of Tibetan cultural identity.


11th June – 5.45pm Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion (Cinema 2)

Engaging personal accounts and interviews provide an insight into Tibet’s troubled past, taking us through rarely-seen rituals in remote monasteries, from the brothels and slums of Lhasa, to spectacular Himalayan peaks.