Tibets sad tale on big screen
THE harrowing story of a Tibetan refugee and former political prisoner is told in a film screening at the Dendy next week.
Also being shown on the evening is Tibet's Cry for Freedom by Lara Damiani, a history of the country under Chinese rule.
Lhamo Kyab was a nomadic farmer who fled oppression in Tibet in 2003.
He and his wife crossed the Himalayas to reach Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama and many Tibetan exiles.
Lhamo returned to Tibet in 2006, intending to fly the Tibetan national flag on top of a holy mountain near his home.
What happened to him after this audacious act is the subject of his film, which includes his treatment at the hands of the Chinese. After his release in 2009, he again made the perilous journey to India.
Lhamo Kyab joined forces with British actor Dominic West (The Wire) to create the film, Prisoner of Conscience - My Reminiscence, about life in Tibet under Chinese occupation and to tell his story.
A local Tibet support group is holding the evening to raise funds for him.
The two films will be introduced by David Heilpern, lawyer, magistrate and Tibetan Buddhist since his youth, and an activist for Tibetan rights.
Mr Heilpern will speak briefly on the current situation in Tibet and the government in exile in Northern India.
Bookings for the evening - 7pm on Thursday, October 18 - are advised.
Phone the Dendy on 6680 8555. For other inquiries about the situation in Tibet, contact Mr Heilpern by emailing davidheilpern@ hotmail.com.
