Dharamshala: On 13 December the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) released a documentary on the Tibetan immolations.
Beginning in 2009, 95 Tibetans have self-immolated, protesting against increasing oppression under Chinese rule, calling for the return of their spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
"They also called for religious freedom, language rights, equality and freedom in Tibet. Some died at mining sites protesting resource extraction, desecration of sacred land and undermining Tibetan spiritual traditions and belief system. Pema Dorjee, the 93rd Tibetan who died by self-immolating called for Tibetan land to be governed by
Tibetans".
TCHRD's documentary examines the lives of Tibetans who have given their lives for Tibet's freedom from the perspective of their relatives in exile. The documentary titled "Beyond the Numbers: A Human Perspective on Tibet's Self-immolation", attempts to restore the humanity of an immolator beyond the mere number they may get reduced to.
Katie Lin, a Canadian multimedia journalist, was instrumental in producing and editing this short documentary. Her diverse background and the international nature of her career have contributed to both her interest in global events and the culturally sensitive approach she takes to the countries, themes, and people she interacts with.
The documentary was screened at Tibet Museum in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala and will also be released at an event in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada on 13 December at 6pm (GMT -8).
