Film Screening And Discussion program report
Project/Program Name: Screening and Discussion
Films: “Geshema is Born” directed by Malati Rao,
Reported by: Sonam, Finance officer
Date of activity: 26th July 2022
Specific activity: Documentary film screening and discussion session.
Key Result Area/Strategic Objective: To create awareness of Gender equality in Tibetan Society and its active nonviolence resilience through screening and discussion.
Venue & Location: Hope Cafe, Dharamshala
Total participants/beneficiaries: 4 participants
- Sonam Norbu
- Tenzin Dechen
- Tenzin Khedup
- Tenzin Rangdol
Resource Persons
Name | Position |
Sonam | Finance Officer |
Activities Overview:
The number of attendees was less compared to the previous film screenings. However, despite the small number of attendees, the question-answer and discussion sessions went very smoothly. All of us became pretty sentimental and emotional as we discussed our hopes for further empowerment of Women’s right and aspirations for Tibet. Therefore, we felt that our film screening was a major success this time.
Introduction to the film which we screened: “Geshema is Born,” directed by Malati Rao, is a compelling documentary that charts the remarkable journey of Geshema, a trailblazing Tibetan woman who breaks new ground in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. The film captures Geshema’s quest to achieve the Geshema degree, a prestigious title akin to a Ph.D. in Buddhist philosophy, a significant milestone for women in this traditionally male-dominated field.
Film “Geshema is Born,” follows the story of Namdol Phuntsok, a determined Tibetan nun living in Dharamshala. The documentary explores her journey as she seeks to achieve the Geshema degree, a prestigious qualification in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. It also highlights the efforts of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to promote gender equality in Tibetan Buddhism by creating opportunities for women to attain this esteemed degree. Through Namdol’s personal journey and the broader context of these initiatives, the film offers a powerful look at the evolving role of women in Tibetan monastic life.
Methodology
Session begin with Introduction of ANEC and an overview of the film. The documentary ran for 56 minutes. It was very informative and raw. Through a blend of intimate interviews and evocative imagery, documentary provides an in-depth look at Geshema’s personal challenges and triumphs. It offers a nuanced perspective on the evolving role of women in Tibetan monastic life and highlights the broader issues of gender equality. “Geshema is Born” is both an inspiring tribute to individual perseverance and a thoughtful examination of the intersection between tradition and progress.
After the screening, we all participated in question-answers and discussion sessions where we talked about the current situation of Tibet and Tibetan nuns living in Indian, Nepal and Bhutan and our hopes for a better future.
Lessons learned or Problems faced if any during the implementation of the activities.
Since I was hosting a film screening for the first time in my life, I was very nervous. However, I was able to hold my own and the conducting the program. I also watched and researched the documentary before the screening date, so I felt more prepared and confident.
Suggestions for further improvements or corrective actions, if any regarding the activity.
I feel that we might have lagged in publicizing the film screening. Therefore, only four attendees showed up for the event. Next time, I will put more time and effort into creating awareness about this program.
Description of a potential success story, if any: NIL
Activity status: Completed.