Dharamshala: - Multiple-award-winning 'Tibet in Song', a film by a former political prisoner was shown to the officials of Central Tibetan Administration at a special screening in Gangkyi hall in Dharamshala where the Central Tibetan Administration based.
Ngawang Choephel, who is a professional musicologist, went to Tibet in 1995 to capture the state of traditional Tibetan music in Tibet.
His film weaves together a compelling story of the rich musical heritage in Tibet and how it is facing systemic destruction under the Chinese communist rule.
He showcased Tibet through the rich traditional folksongs of Tibet in the countryside and the resilience of the Tibetan people to preserve their unique musical heritage.
"I wondered how the Tibetan music was destroyed by the Chinese government and how much of it has remained in Tibet since the Tibetans fled into exile," he thought prior to undertaking his harrowing journey to Tibet.
"I was constantly blasted by Chinese propaganda music and pop songs, which is eroding the identity of our musical heritage in Tibet," he recalls his arrival in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
"But I was determined to find folk songs. So after one week, I went to the countryside and found what I was looking for," he said.
But his quest to find traditional singers was shattered when he was arrested for alleged spying and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
One of the more moving aspects of the film was how the tireless efforts of the international community paid off in releasing Ngawang Choephel in 2002.
He says he is a music aficionado as he reminisces growing up listening to Tibetan folk songs and later pursuing a profession in music.
