Dharamshala, 8 July 2025: Sikyong Penpa Tsering officially inaugurated the Year of Compassion Film Festival at Gold Cinema, Dharamshala, in front of a packed theatre of local Indian attendees. The two-day event, held on 8-9 July, is facilitated by Tibet TV under the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), with support from distinguished filmmakers.
The festival features four acclaimed documentary films that provide rare insight into the life, scientific curiosity, humanity, and compassion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The films screened include:
- The Great 14th: Tenzin Gyatso, The Dalai Lama in His Own Words
- Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times
- Women of Tibet: Gyalyum Chemo – The Great Mother
- The Dalai Lama: Scientist
In his opening remarks, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed sincere appreciation to the filmmakers, stating that without their contributions, this impactful festival would not have been possible. He emphasised that the screenings are intended primarily for non-Tibetan audiences, aiming to create global awareness and a wider impact.
Prominent filmmakers Rosemary Rawcliffe, Peggy Callahan, and John Negropontes were in attendance, each representing one of the featured documentaries. Audiences had the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions with the filmmakers following each screening.
The event also witnessed participation from the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration, including the Chief Justice Commissioner, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Other Justice Commissioners, Auditor General, Election Commissioner, and Public Service Commissioner.
The auditorium was filled with enthusiastic local Indian viewers, including the Additional Superintendent of Police, representatives from the Kangra Tourism Department, faculty and students from the University of Himachal Pradesh, members of Manara Academy, and students from the Spiti Children Hostel.
The Dharamshala leg of the festival marks the official launch of the global Year of Compassion Film Festival, which will be carried forward by TibetTV in coordination with Offices of Tibet, Tibetan Settlement Offices, and Tibetan communities worldwide.
-Report filed by Tibet TV, DIIR, CTA
