Dhondup Wangchen, 34, is the filmmaker of
Leaving Fear Behind, a remarkable documentary by Tibetans inside Tibet that captures firsthand the thoughts, feelings and opinions of Tibetans living under chinese occupation. The footage for the film was smuggled out of Tibet in early March 2008. Dhondup and his cameraman, Jigme Gyatso were fully aware of the risks they were taking by speak out openly about the situation in Tibet and choosing not to conceal their identities. In order for the film to be made, fear truly had to be set aside. Visit
SFT's Leaving Fear Behind Action Center.
Dhondup Wangchen was detained on March 26, 2008 in siling in eastern Tibet . Jigme Gyatso was also detained in late March 2008 but released temporarily in October 2008. Dhondup Wangchen is reportedly being held without charge at Ershilipu Detention Center in Xining Kachu town
In Dhondup Wangchen's own words:
At a time of great difficulty and a feeling of helplessness, [the idea of our film is to] get some meaningful response and results. It is very difficult [for Tibetans] to go to Beijing and speak out there. So that is why we decided to show the real feelings of Tibetans inside Tibet through this film.
Nowadays, china is declaring that they are preserving and improving Tibetan culture and language. That%u2019s what they%u2019re telling the world. Many organizations and offices have been set up for these things. What they say and what they do are totally different, opposites. If they really want to preserve and improve Tibetan culture and language in Tibet then they should withdraw Chinese people living in Tibetan areas. Tibetan culture and language has to be practiced in all Tibetan areas. If it%u2019s not practiced, how can it be preserved?
