Tibet and China: A difference of cultures - Documentary

The documentary is an attempt to show how the Tibetans are trying to preserve their culture in Dharamsala, northwestern India. The Tibetans complain that massive efforts are being made by the Chinese Government in Tibet to wipe out their old traditions.
Therefore, the Dalai Lama on coming to India set up The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamsala. The documentary looks closely into the efforts of this institute to preserve and promote the ancient Tibetan culture and to inspire young Tibetans into the ancient performing arts.

It was interesting to find out that for most Tibetans in Dharamsala, independence without culture has no meaning. Therefore, at TIPA the efforts of the Tibetans in exile are geared towards their ancient culture and its preservation. They explain in vivid detail in the film, how their traditions and art forms are different from those of the Chinese.

Ten minutes is a short duration to talk of the traditions and culture of an ancient country like Tibet and the contemporary issues of this country under "Chinese occupation". Nevertheless, the film is an effort to tap all these issues.

One challenge while making the documentary was to portray the Tibetan cause (for autonomy) objectively. It is meted out by focusing on TIPA and the lives of the Tibetans as refugees in India. One thing that the film brings out and no one would contest is that most of the Tibetans in exile have an earnest desire to go to their own country, where some of them have never been. Their heart echoes their longing for Tibet. Feel The Beat !!

The documentary has been made by MCRC Jamia Millia Islamia students Kapou Malakar and Dipu Shaw