On a recent trip filming in Tibet, independent documentary maker Lara Damiani and freelance photographer Claudio Raschella were so moved by the children at Dickey Orphanage in Lhasa, Tibet that they vowed to return to Australia and raise funds to help them.
They are now selling 2008 Pictures of Tibet calendars featuring Claudio’s pictures, which will not only raise funds to help them return to India in November for more filming but part of the proceeds will be given to the private, family-run orphanage.
“As well as funding our trip to India, proceeds of the calendar sales will go to Dickey Orphanage in Lhasa” said Director/Producer Lara. “When we visited the orphanage, we were so moved by children and the brilliant work that was being done by the owners that we vowed to raise money to send them when we got back.”
“The orphanage housed around 80 children from about 2 years up to 16 years. The children are schooled at the orphanage and learn English, Tibetan and Chinese. Conditions were cramped but the children were just incredibly happy” said Lara. “Visiting the orphanage had a tremendous effect on both of us and we knew that we had to help them in any way that we could.”
“We’ve been lucky to have the incredible support of some wonderful people who have donated their time and services to make the calendars possible. Design company Mitousa and print broker Chris Doak from Print Solutions have been really supportive of our project” said Lara. “Without them, these calendars wouldn’t have been possible.”
The pair knew that filming in Tibet would be a potentially dangerous task. To avoid suspicion and so as not to endanger the lives of the local Tibetan community, filming was undertaken under the guise of tourists.
They will go to India for more interviews and filming with Tibetans in exile in November. The documentary focuses on the debate between the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way Approach for Autonomy under the People’s Republic of China and the growing movement for Tibetan Independence.
“The aim of this documentary is to help spread the message of Tibet which is a metaphor for everywhere that exploitation of the environment, human rights abuses and destruction of indigenous culture is occurring” Lara said.
The documentary includes interview footage with the Dalai Lama, supporter of Tibet and Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng, Tibetan activist and poet Tenzin Tsundue and outspoken advocate for Independence, Lhasang Tsering. Distribution plans include the avenues of DVD distribution, international film festivals and international broadcasters in 2008.
For more information and to order 2008 Pictures of Tibet calendars, visit www.thetibetproject.com.
Report filed by Lara Damiani
