Film Screening & Discussion on “Expelled from the Top: A Story of Tibetan Refugees”
Organized by: Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC) in collaboration with Stories of Tibetans
Project/Programme Name: Film Screening & Discussion
Program coordinator: Tenzin Namdol, Intern
Date of Activity: 3rd May 2024
Specific Activity
On the 3rd of May, 2024, ANEC successfully conducted a screening & Discussion of the documentary film Expelled from the Top: A Story of Tibetan Refugees. The event, held from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, was centered around the theme of Nonviolence Struggles of Tibetans.
Venue: Hope Cafe
Total Participants: 5 Non-Tibetans
- Gokul
- Kathrin
- Sanmati Shetty
- Supritha Shetty
- XYZ
Facilitators:
- Dolma Yankyi, Senior Project Officer
- Tenzin Namdol, Intern
Methodology of Film Screening
The session commenced with an introduction to the documentary film and a brief overview of ANEC’s mission and activities. The film provided an in-depth portrayal of the Tibetan people’s ongoing 70-year struggle for justice, focusing on the experiences of Sonam Choeden, a Tibetan refugee and devoted mother. It highlighted the resilience of Tibetan culture and traditions amidst adversity.
The screening sparked an engaging discussion among the audience, who expressed their concerns and shared insights about the current situation in Tibet. This interaction demonstrated a solid pre-existing knowledge of Tibetan issues among the participants, leading to a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced
While the event was successful, it highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing audience engagement. Encouraging participants to interact more freely among themselves could foster a deeper connection and a more dynamic discussion.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Enhance Participant Engagement: Create opportunities for participants to engage in small group discussions or activities to facilitate more intimate and meaningful exchanges.
- Pre-Screening Materials: Provide background materials or a brief overview of the documentary’s context to enhance understanding and engagement during the screening.
Success Stories
The documentary resonated emotionally with the audience, who connected deeply with the film by sharing their personal experiences and feelings related to the struggles depicted. This emotional connection is a testament to the film’s impact and the effectiveness of the screening as an educational and advocacy tool.
Activity Status: Completed
This report summarizes the successful screening of Expelled from the Top: A Story of Tibetan Refugees and offers insights into the event’s impact and areas for future enhancement. The Active Nonviolence Education Center and Stories of Tibetans remain committed to raising awareness and fostering understanding of Tibetan struggles through such meaningful initiatives.
