FIRE UNDER THE SNOW

 

Documentary, USA 2008 (75 min. / 52 min.)
Director: Makoto Sasa
Production: Argot Pictures
World Sales: Rise and Shine World Sales UG

In 1959, Palden Gyatso, a Tibetan Buddhist monk since childhood, was incarcerated by the Chinese Communist Army for peacefully demonstrating against Chinese occupation in Tibet. For 33 years, he endured jail, torture, starvation, humiliation and forced labor.  After his release, Palden escaped to Dharamsala, India, home of the Tibetan exile community. He became an activist speaking out against the Chinese occupation, giving voice to thousands of dead, displaced or imprisoned Tibetans. Today, his spirit remains unbroken and his fight against injustice and ignorance continues.

FIRE UNDER THE SNOW illumnitates the dramatic and inspirational story of a man whose will and belief remained unweakened even under unthinkable duress. Director Makoto Sasa’s elegant interweaving of interviews with Palden, political prisoners, family members and the Dalai Lama, as well as with impressive archival footage, makes this film a captivating, revealing and heart-breaking historical document

Festivals
Tribeca Film Festival/USA, Mill Valley Film Festival/USA, Denver Film Festival/USA, Pusan International Film Festival/South Korea, Asian Film Festival Dallas/USA, Leeds International Film Festival/UK, IDFA/NL, Seattle Human Rights Film Festival 2009/USA, Montreal Human Rights Film Festival 2009/Can, Planet Doc Review 2009, DOK.FEST München 2009