Tibet in Song

Tibetans refer to their country as an 'ocean of music and dance'. As a consequence of Chinese rule, however, there are only a handful of musicians and music teachers left to pass the true sense of this expression on to the next generation. The traditional Tibetan music performed in 'Tibet in Song' sings about family values and the beauty of the country. The film is not only about music, though. This documentary also shows the impact of fifty years of cultural oppression on Chinese-controlled Tibet. Director Ngawang Choephel tells a story of beauty, pain, atrocities and resilience to paint a raw and uncensored picture of Tibet that the world has never seen. Rare images of traditional Tibetan songs alternate with moving footage of the beginning of the Chinese invasion and a visual account of the Dalai Lama’s forced exile.
Director Ngawang Choephel was honoured at the festival in 2001, since he was in prison at the time for recording Tibetan music for 'Tibet in Song'. Choepel will be present at this year’s festival. 'Tibet in Song' is the opening film of the main program A Matter of ACT.