DHARAMSHALA, MARCH 9 : A documentary film by a Tibetan filmmaker based in Washington DC has been adjudged winner of the Rising Star Award at the 2014 Canada International Film Festival that will be held on March 28 and 29, 2013, in Vancouver, Canada. The festival brings world cinema to Canada from over 90 countries around the world.
‘Scent of Juniper’, a documentary film by Tashi Wangchuk, “was among the very best of the several hundreds of films submitted from over 30 countries around the world and deserving of special recognition,” the intimation letter from the festival organizers said.
Only a few films per competition category are selected to be honored with this prestigious award, according to the organizers.
“I’m humbled that ‘Scent of Juniper’ is being honored with this award. Since our film is about displaced Tibetans and their struggle in keeping alive the Tibetan arts and culture in exile, I hope our film will educate people around the world about our issue and the cause.” said Tashi Wangchuk, director of the film.
The film follows the life of displaced Tibetan exiles in San Francisco Bay Area, including Tsering Dorjee Bawa, who also co-produced the film. Tashi says that he has tried to tell the story of Tibetan artistes like Tsering who struggle to pass down centuries old Tibetan literature and performing arts to younger generation Tibetans. “I was very glad when I heard that our film has been finally heard around the festival circuit. Given that it is a Tibetan film made purely by Tibetans, I think this is awesome,” said Tsering.
Tashi’s filmography includes narrative features ‘Pun Anu Thanu’, ‘Richard Gere is my hero,’ and a documentary for India’s national TV DoorDarshan ‘Democracy in Exile’.
Tashi currently works for the Voice of America’s Tibetan Service.
