Saturday 15th August is the first of 2 days dedicated to Tibetan Film.

The Tibetan Community in Ireland says, "Tibetan people do not have the right to practice their religion and culture freely. Even a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who is considered the sole leader of Tibetan people is banned. Anyone caught with it faces imprisonment and torture. Tibetans are being forced to undergo “patriotic education” in which they are forced to accept the Communist regime as their only “Buddha”. In short, Tibet is facing a cultural genocide".

"This festival aims to present the Irish people with how Tibetan people are suffering under the Chinese rule in Tibet."

2.35 - 3 pm: Leaving Fear Behind (25 mins)

Leaving Fear Behind (in Tibetan, Jigdrel) is a heroic film shot by Tibetans from inside Tibet, who longed to bring Tibetan voices to the Beijing Olympic Games. With the global spotlight on China as it rose to host the XXIX Olympics, Tibetans wished to tell the world of their plight and their heartfelt grievances against Chinese rule. The footage was smuggled out of Tibet under extraordinary circumstances. The filmmakers were detained soon after sending their tapes out, and remain in detention today.

3.15 - 4.03 pm: Undercover in Tibet (48 mins)

As Tibetan protesters take to the streets in the largest uprising against Chinese rule in two decades, dispatches reports on the hidden reality of life under Chinese occupation after spending three months undercover, deep inside the region. Over 200 Tibetans are feared dead after crackdown by Chinese troops in the last year’s uprising, with reporting so rigidly controlled from the region little is known of living conditions inside Tibet.

4.35 - 5 pm: Leaving Fear Behind (25 mins)

Leaving Fear Behind (in Tibetan, Jigdrel) is a heroic film shot by Tibetans from inside Tibet, who longed to bring Tibetan voices to the Beijing Olympic Games. With the global spotlight on China as it rose to host the XXIX Olympics, Tibetans wished to tell the world of their plight and their heartfelt grievances against Chinese rule. The footage was smuggled out of Tibet under extraordinary circumstances. The filmmakers were detained soon after sending their tapes out, and remain in detention today.

These films contain challenging images. Parental guidance is advised for Under 15s.

Go to listings for DAY 2 on 29th August.

Dates:                    Saturday 15th August
Time:                      See above listings
Admission:           FREE