Year in Tibet, A

Synopsis

Isolated in the midst of the world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas, Tibet is one of the remotest and least accessible places on the planet. It is also one of the most secretive and least known. A focus of the world’s attention after violent protests against Chinese rule, Tibet has long captured the West’s imagination. With unprecedented filming access, A Year in Tibet provides a unique insight to this magical and unfamiliar country so often in the media spotlight.

Uncover the mystery and discover the lives of ordinary Tibetans across one extraordinary year in this landmark five-part documentary. This breathtaking series opens a window on the medieval Gyantse, Tibet’s third largest town, and the beautiful Baijin monastery. Examining the reality of life today for Tibetans living under Chinese rule and giving remarkable insight into the significance of Buddhism in everyday life.

Home to one of Tibet’s most important and famous monasteries, Gyantse is an intriguing mix of traditional and modern. Surrounded by snowy peaks and steep hillsides, it is town of two halves: part tiny streets with traditional wooden houses and part modern commercial centre. The Buddhist order based in this dramatic setting is renowned for its artistic achievement, rather than its devotion, with the monks excelling in architectural drawing, crafts and painting.

Through a handful of powerful and engaging characters, follow the reality of daily life for ordinary people living in an extraordinary place. The hotelier struggling to attract more tourists, the village shamen who is worried that the rain cannon will put him out of business because the farmers no longer need him to placate the Gods, the 13 year old novice monk struggling to pass his exams and the young girl who does not find out until her wedding day that she is to be married to two brothers.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Subjects

Anthropology; History; Religious studies

Keywords

Tibet

Credits

Director

Sun Shuyun

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£19.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

260 minutes

Year

2008

Distributor

Name

2 Entertain Video

Email

DVDenquiryline@bbc.com

Web

http://www.2entertainvideo.co.uk/ External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7612 3000

Fax

020 7612 3003

Address

BBC Worldwide
33 Foley Street
London
W1W 7TL

Notes

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Available from retail outlets