By Phurbu Thinley
Phayul Corrspondent
Dharamsala: 6 December: A maiden film studio has been set up by the Tibet Motion Pictures and Arts (formally established by Tashi Wangchuk and Tsultrim Dorjee in September 2005 at Dehradun) here in Mcleod Gunj, a town of mainly Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala.
The studio was formally inaugurated today by Mr. Rinchen Darlo, the President of Tibet Fund and Ms. Robyn Brentano, the Executive Director of the foundation.
While inaugurating the studio, Tashi Wangchuk said the main objective in coming up with the studio is primarily to make films and supply production as well as post production equipments to the various upcoming film professionals within Tibetan community.
With this facility, Tashi said the duo film-makers are also intending to conduct workshops in near future to provide proper guidelines to young Tibetans in the technical aspects of film-making.
Interacting with the duo and those present during the function, Ms. Robyn Brentano assured the two filmmakers of ways in supporting their movie ventures. Talking of the Tibet Fund’s role in supporting Tibetan community, she said the foundation is not only focused in providing job opportunities and material facilities, but is also, also at the same time, equally concerned about voice to the today’s younger Tibetan generation.
Defining motion pictures as one of the powerful means of propagating issues, films by Tibetans can actually contribute greatly to the Tibetan struggle for freedom and, for the promotion and preservation of ones cultural identities noted Ms. Robyn.
Mr. Rinchen, on the other hand, said he was pleased with the way Tibetan youngsters are now taking their own initiatives to come up with new professional ventures and congratulated the two filmmakers for their initiative role.
The unit has so far produced a Tibetan feature film, “Phun Anu Thanu”, India’s National network, Doordashan commissioned film, “Democracy in Exile” and a comedy show, “The Great Tibetan Laughter Show”.
The unit is now preparing for its upcoming venture, another low budget Tibetan feature film, ‘The Richard Gere is My Hero’, which is due to start shooting later in mid December this year. The shooting of the film will take place in and around Dharamsala itself.
The several notable actors from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) will be playing their parts in the forthcoming movie.
Sonam Wangdu and Dechen Yangzom, two of the lead actors of their first feature film- ‘Phun Anu Thanu’, a film very much popular among Tibetans in exile, were also present during the inaugural function.
For more on the unit and its role in filmmaking, visit: www.tibetansfilms.com
