Documentary Film ‘Never Forget Tibet’ Launches in Brazil
São Paulo: On World Mental Health Day (10 October 2024), a special event was held in São Paulo, Brazil, to launch Never Forget Tibet, an officially endorsed documentary by Latin America’s Office of Tibet, produced by Compassionate Films (U.K.). The film tells the incredible story of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s escape into exile, assisted by Har Mander Singh.
The documentary will be available in Brazil starting 31 October on Apple TV+, YouTube Movies, and Google Play. Already accessible in over 60 English-speaking countries, the film will be released in 120 countries over the next 12 months and is being translated into multiple languages. It is set for release in India in 2025 to honour the 90th birthday and the remarkable achievements of His Holiness.
The launch event in Brazil was a huge success, with many attendees enjoying a special exhibition at Casa Seva Gallery, showcasing photographs by Austrian explorer Heinrich Harrer, whose work is featured in the film. Harrer’s photographs serve as a significant historical record of pre-invasion Tibet. The film’s director, Jean-Paul Martinez, highlighted the importance of these images at the event.
In addition to the film screening, the Mystical Arts of Tibet’s monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery led a three-day Buddha of Compassion’s sand mandala program and chanting sessions, creating a joyous and deeply spiritual atmosphere for all participants.
The event drew strong support from civil society and cultural influencers from various fields, including news broadcaster Patricia Poeta, singer-songwriter Tierry de Araújo Paixão da Costa, and actor João Signorelli, known for his role as Gandhi in a Brazilian T.V. show.
The documentary not only recounts the remarkable escape of His Holiness but also highlights the rich art, culture, and spirituality of Tibet. The widespread attention it received is a promising sign for keeping Tibet’s globally relevant issues in the spotlight, especially following the Resolve Tibet Act passed in the U.S. by President Biden.
A key takeaway from the event was the emphasis on inspiring the next generation with hope and awareness of Tibet. As part of this effort, a special delegation in Brazil will be taking a “Peace Tree” to five schools in São Paulo, offering an interactive exhibit to share His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message of peace with young people.
The event marks an important milestone in promoting Tibetan culture and history in Latin America and beyond.
The Mystical Arts of Tibet in Colombia
At the request of Compassionate Films (U.K.) and Casa Seva (São Paulo, Brazil), the Mystical Arts of Tibet group returned to Latin America, holding a successful series of events in Bogotá, Colombia, from 4 to 17 September 2024. Accompanied by Representative Jigme Tsering, the group showcased Tibetan culture and Buddhist practices through the creation of two Sand Mandalas and three sessions of Sacred Music and Sacred Chants for Peace and Healing. These events, enriched by lectures on Tibetan Buddhist traditions, arts, and philosophy, took place at venues including Centro de Meditación Budista Yamantaka – FPMT Colombia, Biblioteca Pública Julio Mario Santo Domingo, Universidad Externado de Colombia, and Universidad El Bosque – Biblioteca.
The events were organised in collaboration with the Latin America Office of Tibet, Atlanta Loseling Center, and Centro Yamantaka, Bogotá, with coordination by Geshe Lobsang Kunchen, Isabela Caro, Claudia Bonito, Doris Julio, and volunteers. The diverse audiences were deeply engaged, appreciating the spiritual significance of the Mandalas and chants, as well as the teachings of compassion and peace at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
The tour fostered cultural exchange and greatly contributed to raising awareness of Tibetan traditions in Colombia, strengthening ties between the Colombian and Tibetan communities while helping to preserve and share Tibet’s rich cultural heritage.
