Fire Under The Snow
75 minutes
A free screening sponsored by The International Campaign for Tibet.

SaveTibet.org

Palden Gyatso, a Buddhist monk since childhood, was arrested by the Chinese Communist Army in 1959. He spent the next 33 years in prison for the "crimes" of peaceful demonstration and refusal to denounce his apolitical teacher as an Indian spy. He was tortured, starved and sentenced to hard labor. He watched his nation and culture destroyed, his teachers, friends and family displaced, jailed or killed under Chinese occupation.

"Makoto Sasa contrasts the horror of the story and the serenity of its teller for dramatic impact." ―
Variety		 "Gyatso’s unwavering faith in the face of horrific circumstances would make for essential viewing." ―
New York Magazine

Fire Under the Snow reaches back to Palden's birth in 1933 and follows him through the Orwellian nightmare that began with the Chinese invasion. We cut back and forth between the past and Palden's present as an activist, living in exile. Our P.O.V. becomes a "third eye" hovering over Palden’s current life, haunted by his memories of the past. We explore the escalating cycle of interrogation and physical violation during his years in prison that ended decades later with Palden's escape from Tibet and a cathartic meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The film also investigates the basis of Palden's resilience. He claims that faith in Buddhism helped him survive the 33 years of his imprisonment. Furthermore, he insists that he is not angry with the Chinese. He believes these atrocities befell him due to "karma."

While imprisoned, the mere existence of the Dalai Lama was a beacon of hope to Palden and fellow prisoners-of-conscience. They dreamed of being released from their torment and delivered into his open arms. Today, the Dalai Lama and his supporters advance the idea of a "mutually beneficial" autonomy within China, an idea generated from Buddhist philosophy. Palden Gyatso and a sizable constituency are holding-out for total independence. Thus, a painful schism exists. Through discussions lead by Palden, competing political agendas are revealed within the Tibetan exile community.

Despite all, Palden Gyatso remains unbroken, keeping the flame of his spirit ablaze. Fire Under the Snow reveals the contours of an inspirational story: the survival of a mind and a soul under unthinkable duress.
Friday, June 18 4:30 PM Katzen Arts Center Free: No Ticket Needed