Who We Are
A group of filmmakers, photographers, and sociologists set out to empower Tibetans using digital storytelling to share the increasing challenges and dramatic changes they go through.
All our team members have spent years making documentary films or working on non-profit projects in Tibetan areas. We have been training villagers and herdsmen in western China to make documentary films since 2007. Dozens of project participants have produced
engaging photos and films covering a wide range of subjects, including Himalayan vulture, hand-made yak butter, snow leopard, and water pollution.
engaging photos and films covering a wide range of subjects, including Himalayan vulture, hand-made yak butter, snow leopard, and water pollution.
What We Want To Create
"We Tibetans have always been portrayed by outsiders. There are a lot of misunderstandings. We want to be able to tell our own stories." - a herdsman turned filmmaker
Training students, monks, villagers, and herdsmen to become digital artists, our project aims to facilitate changes in local communities through its residents, and to build more channels to promote environmental protection and cultural heritage conservation
in Tibetan areas.
in Tibetan areas.
Films igniting social changes. It is already happening!
A Tibetan woman in Yunnan filmed her process of growing organic grapes and treated her whole village with home-made wine. Now more villagers are learning from her the organic way. A young herdsman made a film showing how a sacred lake gets polluted by
excessive offering of prayer flags and treasure bottles. Using his film, local monasteries prompted villagers into action: clean the lake and promise not to throw anything into it anymore.
excessive offering of prayer flags and treasure bottles. Using his film, local monasteries prompted villagers into action: clean the lake and promise not to throw anything into it anymore.
We need your support to spread this grassroots movement faster and farther！
How We Are Creating It
We would like to start by offering digital storytelling workshops at Jigme Gyaltsen Welfare School in eastern Tibet. This private school, founded by monks in 1994, has gained wide reputation through its classes in Tibetan language and traditional culture.
More than 800 students, aged 12 to 40, come from 50 towns and villages.
More than 800 students, aged 12 to 40, come from 50 towns and villages.
In a few years, we plan to set up a digital storytelling program at the school, recruiting 20-30 participants each year. By then, we expect to have helped more monks, villagers, and herdsmen grow into digital artists. These local pioneers will take the
role of instructors while outside experts only provide consulting as needed.
role of instructors while outside experts only provide consulting as needed.
Photo exhibits and film screenings will be periodically organized in schools and villages, during Buddhist festivals and traditional horse festivals.
Our First Year Plan
We plan to run three week-long workshops in the first year. A three-person team will travel to the school located in Qinghai province.
workshop curriculum:
Workshop 1 - July 2013
Camera operating techniques
Discussion of possible subjects
Workshop 2 - Sept 2013
Review photos and footage of each participant
Update filming plans
Basic editing techniques
Workshop 3 - April 2014
Review more footage and rough cuts
Advanced editing techniques
Create a promo piece
