Anthony LappéFaith in Exile: The Lesson of Tibet (2004)

For the last half-century, the Tibetan people have endured the brunt of some of the Chinese governments most brutal policies. In the 1990's, an international activist movement, which attracted a small army of A-list celebrities, brought the Tibetan struggle to the mainstream. But since 9/11, Tibet has all but disappeared from the front page.

September 11th was a tragedy for the American people, but it was a boon for totalitarian regimes around the world. In the pursuit of its so-called war on terror, the United States has forged military alliances and inked trade deals with some of the worlds most repressive regimes. On September 13, 2001 China was quietly admitted to the World Trade Organization, and given Most Favored Nation status by U.S., despite the fact the country is one of the worlds worst human rights abusers.

With its economy booming, China has become desperate to exploit Tibet's vast mineral and fuel reserves - and that has meant keeping a tight grip on any moves towards Tibetan autonomy. Arrests, torture and destruction of local culture continue despite the tireless work of Tibetan exiles and their high-profile western allies. In fact, the situation grows more dire by the day. Yet unlike an increasing number of indigenous liberation movements, Tibetans have not resorted to violence to achieve their goals.

In Faith in Exile, GNN asks, "Does the non-violent resistance of the Tibetan people provide a valuable lesson for a world in turmoil?"

This item is part of the collection: News & Public Affairs

Director: Anthony Lappé
Producer: Josh Shore
Production Company: Guerrilla News Network
Audio/Visual: sound, color
Keywords: Tibet; human rights; Dalai Lama
Contact Information: www.gnn.tv

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Reviewer: AlexJonesLemming - - November 2, 2006
Subject: Tyranny of the Monk Class

I have also heard, from Parenti and others, that the "Monk Class" in Tibet was equally or more brutal than the Chinese. It treated ordinary people like slaves, and chopped off hands or lamed feet of peasants who challenged the despotic rule of this religious class, akin to Church rule in Europe.

Reviewer: Young kid from Beijing - - August 27, 2005
Subject: Impressive documentary

Our governement attepmts to conceal the facts of Tibet and justify the invasion. Thats true. I think most of Chinese people will be shocked to know the truth, however, they may not be granted a chance to access relevant information.


But I think the most important thing here for Tibetans is to reach a consensus with our government on the status of their "country" becfore Dalai Lama passes away. Thats vital for their own interest and a workable solution for that piece of land.

Just barking does not work.

Credits

Director: Anthony Lappé
Producer: Josh Shore
Editor/Designer: Meaghan Eckman

A Guerrilla News Network film.

Produced in conjunction with the Milarepa Fund and the Students for a Free Tibet.

Segments

- History of the Chinese invasion and occupation
- Palden Gayatso's story: Torture and redemption
- China's hungry economy
- Faith and hope: A global non-violent movement