WASHINGTON DC – The Office of Tibet, based in Washington DC, teamed up with Democracy Salon, a Chinese youth initiative from New York, to host a unique Sino-Tibet Youth Interaction event. Held at the Tibet House on August 28, 2023, the event aimed to foster understanding and dialogue between Tibetan and Chinese youths through the medium of film.
The gathering saw an attendance of approximately 50 young individuals, both from the Tibetan and Chinese communities of New York and its surrounding regions. The highlight of the event was the screening of “Tharlo”, a cinematic masterpiece by the late esteemed Tibetan filmmaker, Pema Tsetan.
The film, known for its poignant portrayal of contemporary Tibetan life, served as a catalyst for the ensuing discussions. The idea for such a film-centric dialogue emerged from the Democracy Salon, inspired by the principles of the White Paper Revolution.
Tsultrim Gyatso, the Chinese liaison officer from the Office of Tibet, opened the event with words of gratitude. He underscored the significance of Pema Tsetan’s work in shedding light on the nuanced realities of modern-day Tibet. Gyatso also touched upon the challenges filmmakers face when navigating the stringent regulations imposed by Chinese authorities.
He provided insights into the current state of Tibet, referencing the Dalai Lama’s vision, the tragic self-immolations since 2009, and Beijing’s controversial policies, including the forced enrollment of Tibetan children into boarding schools.
Post-screening, attendees engaged in group discussions centered on themes like Cultural Representation, Identity and Belonging, and Empathy and Understanding. These discussions provided a platform for Chinese youths, many of whom hailed from mainland China, to share their perspectives on the film and recount their personal experiences from visits to Tibet.
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Tibetan attendees, on the other hand, delved into the film’s subtle messages and provided context on Tibet’s current situation under Chinese policies.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants actively exchanging views and experiences. There was a unanimous sentiment towards the importance of such interactions and a strong inclination towards future collaborative endeavors to further mutual understanding.
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