Film on His Holiness the Dalai Lama screened at the UK Parliament

Friday, 8 May 2008, 5:25 p.m.

London: ‘The Unwinking Gaze’,
the film chronicling the inside story of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
struggle for Tibet has been screened at the Houses of Parliament, prior
to its UK theatrical and international TV release in June.

Directed by Joshua Dugdale over a span of 18 months with
unrestricted access to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the film portrays
His Holiness’ struggles to negotiate a political settlement with China
and contemplates his successor. It offers a unique, behind-the-scenes
insight into the recent working life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dugdale writes: “In making my film on the Dalai Lama I wanted
to see if Beijing could justify its claim that he is duplicitous. If
China’s leaders could see the results, I have no doubt that it would
challenge some of their preconceptions about him.”

Norman Baker MP, Vice Chair UK for the All Parliamentary Group
for Tibet, who organised the screening, commented: “We are pleased to
be able to show this important film to Parliamentarians at this
critical time. It is vital that Tibet is kept firmly in the public mind
and on the political radar.”

Tim Sparke, MD of Joiningthedots.tv, who is distributing the
film, added: “Everyone connected with the film congratulates Mr Baker
and his committee for their foresight in getting the film seen by
opinion formers and commentators within Parliamentary circles.
Documentary film can occasionally provide context to important issues.
‘The Unwinking Gaze’ is an example of such a film.”

The film, which opened the London International Documentary
Festival debuted at Mip TV where it was enthusiastically received by
leading broadcasters. Canadas CBC Newsworld, NRK Norway, TV Catlunya
Spain, TV Polska Poland, and Noga TV Israel have all recently licensed
rights to the film, with an additional 10 international broadcasters
and theatrical distributors in the midst of active acquisition
negotiations.

The film will be shown in 18 Cinemas in the UK as part of the
joiningthedots.tv theatrical documentary initiative sponsored by The
Independent and hosted by Picture Houses.

–4rfv.co.uk