Film Screening & Discussion program report
Project/Program Name: Screening and Discussion (S&D)
Film: Buddha’s Warrior (Produced by Andrew Tkach and Christiane Amanpour)
Reported by: Pema Dechan
Date of Activity: 18th October 2024
Activity Overview
ANEC successfully organized this month’s screening and discussion session, featuring the documentary Buddha’s Warrior. The screening took place from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM, followed by a 15-minute discussion session. The documentary, produced in 2008 by Andrew Tkach and Christiane Amanpour for CNN, explores the non-violent resistance of Buddhist monks against authoritarian regimes in China and Burma. During the discussion, participants raised questions about Tibet’s ongoing struggle and its history.
Objective
The primary objective of screening this documentary was to educate attendees about the Tibetan cause, its historical background, and its use of non-violent methods to preserve Tibetan culture and identity in the face of oppression.
Venue
Hope Café
Total Participants
13
Resource Persons
- Tsering Sonam, Administrative Officer
- Sonam, Finance Officer
- Pema Dechan, Intern
Methodology
- The program commenced with a brief introduction to the organization and the documentary.
- Buddha’s Warrior chronicles the resistance of Tibetan monks to Chinese occupation, offering a deep exploration of Tibet’s history and Buddhism. The documentary provides valuable context for understanding the spiritual and political struggles faced by these monks.
- The production team conducted interviews with prominent Tibetan leaders, monks, and historians, bringing personal perspectives and deeper insights into the resistance movement. These firsthand accounts made the narrative more engaging and impactful for the audience.
- The documentary integrated these interviews with on-location filming and historical footage, presenting a compelling visual and emotional narrative. The scenes from Tibet and Dharamsala, combined with thoughtful editing and voiceovers, effectively highlighted both the spiritual and political dimensions of the monks’ resistance.
Lessons Learned/Challenges Faced
As this was my first time facilitating a film screening, I initially felt unsure and lacked confidence, which impacted my performance despite prior preparation. However, the audience’s positive reception reassured me, and the event was ultimately a success.
Suggestions for Improvement/Corrective Actions
Moving forward, I recognize the importance of developing greater confidence when facilitating such events to ensure smoother delivery and engagement.
Potential Success Story
The program was well-received by the audience, who actively engaged during the discussion. Participants shared their thoughts and posed insightful questions about the Tibetan cause and its struggle for independence, demonstrating a strong interest in the topic.
Activity status: Completed
