On the afternoon of August 29, the closing ceremony of the "Footprints of Light and Shadow, Splendor of the Snowy Land" - a themed film festival celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region was held in Beijing.
The film festival is hosted by the Film Bureau of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Publicity Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee, undertaken by the Tibet Autonomous Region Film Bureau and the China Film Archive, co-organized by the Tibet Autonomous Region Film Public Service Center, and supported by the China Film Association, the Film Channel of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and the China Film Foundation.
Poster for the film festival celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region
At the beginning of the closing ceremony, the audience watched the short film "Heart to Heart Tibet: A Long Scroll of Prosperity" to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and deeply felt the great historical changes and social progress in the 60 years since the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
According to reports, since its launch on August 12, the "Footprints of Light and Shadow, Splendor of the Snowland" - a themed film festival celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region has simultaneously screened 10 outstanding Tibetan-themed films, including "Distant Puruogangri", "Serfs", "Red River Valley", "My Himalayas", "Return to Tibet", "Sky Dream", "Tianbao", "Himalayan Ladder", "Invisible Summit" and "Kong Fansen" in Beijing, Suzhou and seven cities in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Among them are both realistic works that show the achievements of social development, as well as artistic works that reflect national customs and humanistic spirit.
Lu Liang, Deputy Director of the China Film Archive
Lu Liang, deputy director of the China Film Archive, said in his speech that holding this film festival, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is perfectly timed. "Through this film festival, we have further deepened our understanding and love for Tibet, and have also allowed more people to experience the unique value of film art in documenting our times, conveying emotions, and uniting people."
Feng Xiaoning (first from right), Chen Guoxing (speaker, second from right), Gang Zhen (third from right), and Wang Zhuocuo (fourth from right) sharing on stage
At the event, directors Feng Xiaoning, Chen Guoxing, Gang Zhen and actor Wang Zhuocuo from the film "The Distant Puruogangri" took the stage one after another. Based on their personal creations and viewing experiences, they expressed their deep feelings for Tibet and their expectations for the future of Tibetan film creation.
Red River Valley (1996) movie poster
In his speech, Feng Xiaoning recalled his trip to Tibet 30 years ago to film the film "Red River Valley." "That was my first visit to Tibet, and I filmed the story of the Tibetan people, who suffered humiliation and rose up in resistance at the hands of foreign invaders two centuries ago. 120 years later, under the leadership of the Party, the mountains remain the same, the lakes the same, the grasslands the same, and our Tibet stands tall at the top of the world. The stories of Tibet in this new era require the dedication and exploration of more young filmmakers. I look forward to seeing more outstanding films about Tibet being seen in the future."
Kong Fansen (1996) movie poster
"In 1995, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Beijing Film Studio decided to produce 'Kong Fansen.'" Chen Guoxing, the film's director, recalled his first experience in Tibet, "a bit hazy, a bit short of oxygen." "I discussed with my supervisor how to capture the core of the film and how to portray the relationship between this aid-to-Tibet cadre and the land. He explained that Tibetans have religious beliefs, including prostrations, which are often performed to pray for happiness in the afterlife. We wanted to film a Communist who brought happiness to our Tibetan compatriots in this life. That statement suddenly made sense to me."
"In the past 30 years since I filmed "Kong Fansen", I have also been to Tibet many times, including the filming of "Return to Tibet" two years ago. I have really seen changes and development every time I go there. For example, in Ali Prefecture, there was not even a decent road before, but now the airport, highways, hotels... the entire Tibet Autonomous Region has undergone earth-shaking changes. I am very fortunate to be able to participate in the construction of Tibet, and I have been deeply moved by Tibetan compatriots and cadres sent to Tibet. I believe that in the future there will be more good films that show the new look of Tibet." Chen Guoxing said.
The movie poster of "Faraway Purogangri" is expected to be released nationwide in September this year
Afterwards, a film dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region, "Distant Puruogangri," was screened. This film was the first to be filmed entirely on location in the high-altitude Qiangtang No Man's Land in northern Tibet, setting a Guinness World Record for the average altitude for filming a feature film.
At the closing ceremony, director Zhao Hantang stood up to greet the audience. Next to him was Tong Liya, who made a cameo appearance in the film.
At the New Era Tibetan Film Creation Seminar and Film Viewing Forum held that same day, the film's director and renowned actor Zhao Hantang stated that "The Distant Puruogangri" is Tibet's first tribute film to be produced and produced by the film's principal investor and director. "To ensure the smooth completion of this project, we pushed ourselves to the limit, from script revisions to pre-production and filming. To meet deadlines, we began filming in winter, with temperatures outside reaching -20 to -30 degrees Celsius, accompanied by severe snowstorms. Shooting in an uninhabited area at an altitude of over 5,000 meters took a month. The entire crew poured their heart and soul into this project, and the unique light, colors, and environment of the filming location truly inspired everyone."