By Ben Tsui
Calgary, Canada, March 8 – The Tibetan Community of Alberta (TCA) applied the power of video and sound to create awareness about the forthcoming March 10th protest this Saturday afternoon. The screening of VAJRA SKY OVER TIBET was a front-row only fundraising event as local Tibetans and fellow Canadian supporters gathered at the Plaza Theatre to learn more about the continuing Tibetan struggle. It was only the forth time that this highly praised documentary was shown in Canada.
“VAJRA SKY is a cinematic pilgrimage to central Tibet, bearing witness to the indomitable faith of its Buddhist community and the imminent threat to its very survival… (It) journeys to legendary temples, monasteries and festivals, while revealing a policy of Chinese authorities to destroy this ancient wisdom tradition from within,” explained director John Bush on Direct Pictures’ official website (http://www.vajrasky.com).
TCA President Tashi Phuntsok welcomed the anticipated crowd with a message of hope and thanks. He encouraged many of the audience to join the annual Tibetan protest along the bustling streets of downtown Calgary this coming Monday.
Calgary’s Tibetan Social Club organizers Kephun Chazotsang and Dekyi Dorjee were surprised at the successful turnout. Chazotsang was glad that the Plaza Theatre supported the local Tibetan community by exhibiting such independent work.
Dorjee added, “This movie was so inspiring and educational at the same time. It sure was a new and innovative way to inform the public about our real struggle inside Tibet.” During the short post-screening discussion on stage, she also reaffirmed her view that the Beijing Olympic is a positive international sports endeavor but everyone should also be proactive in resisting China’s notorious human rights abuses at the same time.
Outside the theatre, filmgoer Roseanne Binette commented, “The film was so powerful and compassionate. It was very meaningful. I liked the movie’s explanation about the different Tibetan lingo, Sanskrit writings, meanings and symbolisms. It brought us together as one and that’s what the essence of Tibet is all about!”
In the lead up to the Beijing Olympics, exiled Tibetans and their supporters are taking action to make sure the global spotlight is focused squarely on China’s occupation of Tibet. This Monday, March 10th starting at 4:00 pm, Tibetans and friends will gather at the Calgary Olympic Plaza for a FREEDOM MARCH toward the Chinese Consulate on 6th Avenue to help show China and the world that Tibetan freedom is inevitable!
