Published by: World Tibet Network News Saturday, October 4, 1997

On October 2, the International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) hosted a private screening of the movie, "Seven Years in Tibet" in Indianapolis, Indiana. As far as we know, this was the first such screening for a Tibet Support Group in the United States. Over 400+ people attended from all over Indiana. In attendance were Thubten Jigme Norbu (Taktser Rinpoche), His family, Tenzin Kelsang (a Monk from India), three other Tibetans, and representatives from ITIM, Indiana University SFT, Ball State University SFT, and the Tibetan Cultural Center (Bloomington, IN). At least three central Indiana newspapers were in the audience.

The event began with a local radio station welcoming people and asking the audience a series of questions (e.g., Who is the spiritual leader of Tibet? In what year was Tibet invaded? Who is the youngest political prisoner in the world?). Many people yelled out the correct answers. The winners received a "Seven Years in Tibet" sweatshirt. Then leaders of ITIM welcomed the audience and offered kataks to Rinpoche, Mrs. Norbu, and Tenzin Kelsang. The audience was also strongly encouraged, if they felt comfortable, to do one small thing for Tibet, suggest to others that they view the movie. After this, the movie was shown.

During the movie, sounds of pain and disbelief could be heard throughout the theater. Moreover, on a number of occasions, laughter errupted. All in attendance stayed for the entire performance. At the conclusion of the film, loud applause errupted. Further, about 50% of the audience remained in their seats seeming to be quite disturbed by the film. Then members of the audience who had won "Seven Years in Tibet" posters were given their prize.

I was fortunate to sit two seats away from Rinpoche. In between us was a newspaper reporter. At the conclusion of the movie, the reporter asked Rinpoche "what do you think?" I heard Him respond, "very accurate in its' history, I'm pleased."

The ITIM leadership gathered after the movie to discuss our impressions. This proved to be quite difficult. All of us were stunned, depressed, and basically speechless. The movie had generated a great deal of emotion in each of us. While we have worked very closely with the Tibetan community and we have seen film footage of the invasion, the movie captured the destruction of Tibet and Tibetans in a way that none of us had ever experienced in our mind's eye. The suffering touched even closer to our hearts. In sense, the movie helped us to more fully experience the cruelity of The PRC and the grace of the Tibetan people.

At the same time, we were all extremely pleased with the ending of the movie. The message about Tibet and The PRC's behavior was clear and uncompromising (Sony Pictures Entertainment, TriStar Pictures & Mandalay Entertainment definitely took a risk). Additionally, we were very thankful to learn more about His Holiness The Dalai Lama's childhood. We also felt fortunate to experience the warmth, strength, wisdom, and compassion of His Holiness in another form.

Two days have passed since viewing the film and while all of us continue to be in a daze, our commitment to the movement has been further strengthened. Tibet Belongs to Tibetans!

Looking forward to hearing other reactions to the movie.

Po Rangzen,

Submitted by Larry Gerstein - President, Int'l Tibet Independence Movement