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FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER FILM Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion (Dir. Tom Peosay, 2002, 104 min) 7.30pm (click for map etc.) Ten years in the making, this award-winning feature-length documentary was filmed during nine journeys through Tibet, India and Nepal. With an unprecedented richness of imagery, from rarely seen rituals in remote monasteries to horse races with Khamba warriors, Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion both presents a vivid picture of Tibet's traditional culture and powerfully chronicles its more recent tragic past. The film gives a brief account of Tibetan history, the lead up to the Dalai Lama's dramatic escape into exile, and the subsequent attempts of the Tibetan resistance movement to fight against Chinese occupation. It graphically captures the devastating effects of the Chinese occupation and shows rarely seen archival footage of the 1987 demonstrations in Lhasa that were met with harsh Chinese suppression. It also contains some spellbinding interviews with Tibetans who have suffered the brunt of Chinese brutality. Despite the unimaginable suffering, what comes across is the indomitable spirit of the Tibetan people, which, extraordinarily, seems free of hatred. This is a profound and inspiring film. If you see only one film about Tibet, this is the one to see. £8.00 (Friends £3.00) |