BBC-1 Sunday April 21 at l0.25pm
'Everyman' begins a new five-part series on BBC-l with a 75-minute special, 'Kingdom Of The Lost Boy'. on Sunday, April 21.
The fragile relationship between the Chinese Government and neighbouring Tibet comes under scrutiny when the programme reports on the discovery and appointment of a new Panchen Lama - who, second only to the Dalai Lama. is a religious leader of major significance to the Tibetan community and the Buddhist faith.
Since the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950 when the Dalai Lama fled the atheist Chinese government has struggled with and sought to repress traditional Tibetan Buddhism.
The Panchen Lama who remained in Tibet died in 1989 and according to tradition, when the Panchen dies his reincarnation is selected by the Dalai Lama. Likewise when the Dalai Lama dies, the successor is chosen by the Panchen Lama.
At the time the Dalai Lama chose a boy to be the true Panchen the Chinese Government performed a pseudo-Buddhist ceremony to choose their own reincarnation of the Panchen. The child selected by the Dalai Lama, now six years old has since disappeared. The other child has been enthroned as the Panchen Lama.
Featuring extraordinary archive material of the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the rituals involved in the selection of the Panchen Lama and interviews with the Dalai Lama, the programme asks whether the Chinese have finally won the battle of beliefs and questions the significance this decision will hold for the future of Tibet.
Everyman' editor, Richard Denton said: "This programme has taken nearly two years to complete. It's involved dangerous film-making inside Tibet and interviewing some very brave people fighting to keep their culture alive It's easy to think this is a long way away. but this is a story of faith and courage that may have far-reaching consequences."
Actress Joanna Lumley provides the commentary for Kingdom Of The Lost Boy' is an independent production for BBC television by Juniper Productions.
For further information please contact:
Heilen Martin, BBC North Press Office, 0161-244 4~93
