Tibetan Film Festival 2006
Festival opened with sold out night!
By Niki Paquin
MCLEOD GANJ, India, 2 May 2006 — For the second time in two years, Lobsang Wangyal has assembled an eclectic array of films, the majority of which are made by Tibetans and/or have Tibetan themes. Also included in the week-long festival are international films chosen for their social commentary as well as others acclaimed for their directorial artistry.
During his opening remarks last night, Lobsang Wangyal thanked co-sponsors and volunteers and shared happily with the audience that he had been approached by people about bringing the Festival, in some shape or form, to Hawaii and Amsterdam. Then, with sparkling confetti and a flourish, the 2006 Tibetan Film Festival was declared open!
The Festival commenced with the screening of Travellers and Magicians and We Homes Chaps, to a sold out audience.
Travellers and Magicians, written and directed by Khyentse Norbu, blends an entertaining storyline that begets both laughter and tears with a deep message about the notion of "blooming where one grows", as opposed to seeking something that is perhaps only possible in a dream... Set in Bhutan, the stunning cinematography brings the film to breathtaking life, and the authentic cast allows the audience to be carried fully into this tale.
We Homes Chaps, a documentary film by Kesang Tseten, takes an emotional look at how the lives of now adult Tibetans and Anglo-Indians were affected by their time in a Christian boarding school during the 1960' and 70's. The documentary is filmed during the 100th anniversary reunion of the school's opening. Alumni reflect on how the Christian values, separation from parents, culture and language shaped their identity and sense of self — for better or worse. Well paced, thought provoking and emotional, We Homes Chaps does not aim to answer questions as much as it appears to raise them.
Several viewers were asked about their impressions of the film festival during the intermission: Susanne, a young woman from Germany, said she thought it was a "nice idea to have such a festival; it's a good way to find out about Tibetan culture."
Pempa, a Tibetan youth attending TCV school said: "It's nice to see so many Tibetans involved."
Commenting on the fest's opening film, Travellers and Magicians, Karine from Argentina said, "it's great to see a movie about a far place. You learn about (it) and it makes you feel closer to that place."
And when asked why he felt the film festival was important, Lobsang Phuntsok, a McLeod Ganj local, responded, "It's the best way to give information about Tibetan filmmakers, and films like Dreaming Lhasa (screening 2nd of May, 7 p.m.) depict different ideologies about Tibetan youth in exile." When asked what he thought when he first heard there would be a Tibetan film festival in McLeod Ganj, he stated, "I thought - I'm going to see almost all of them!"
Clearly, word on the street has travelled fast about this year's film fest, which runs from 1st to 7th of May. A promotional booth was set up on Sunday at the bus stand, the town's hub, and was swarmed by locals and tourists alike. Ticket sales began last night at 6:30 and by 6:50 the venue was sold out and people had to be turned away. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout. Similar numbers are expected throughout the week; viewers are encouraged to turn up early.