The V-TAG Newcastle members who organised the Tibetan Film Night Fundraising and Tibet Awareness Event on 6 November 2024.

Newcastle, NSW: The Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) in Newcastle, Australia, successfully hosted a fundraising event at Fronditha Hall on 6 November 2024, combining powerful personal testimonies of former Tibetan political prisoners with documentary screening to shed light on the ongoing human rights situation in Tibet. 

The evening featured a screening of “Tibet: Murder in the Snow,” a documentary chronicling the perilous journeys of Tibetan refugees fleeing across the Nangpala Pass. Two former political prisoners, Lobsang Lungtok and Rigzin Wangmo, who are also currently members of the V-TAG Australia, shared their firsthand experiences of escaping Chinese occupation via the treacherous mountain route. 

“Their personal accounts were moving and added depth to the film’s portrayal of Tibet’s ongoing struggles,” said a V-TAG representative. 

An introduction by a representative of V-TAG to the event opened the evening. Following this, Lhubum Borawa, the President of Newcastle Tibetan Community, addressed the gathering, highlighting the strong local community support. The guest speakers Lobsang Lungtok and Rigzin Wangmo gave a powerful talk about their harrowing journeys across the Nangpala Pass, describing the human cost of the refugee crisis. 

The documentary Tibet: Murder in the Snow was then screened. The film focuses on the Nangpala Pass, a pass that has historically been used by Tibetans fleeing their homeland to escape Chinese oppression. The documentary follows the journeys of several Tibetan refugees who risked their lives to escape the brutality of Chinese military occupation, highlighting their courage and determination to reach safety in India. 

Approximately 30-40 people attended the event, with many members from the Newcastle Tibetan community showing up to support the cause. The turnout was heartening, as it showcased a strong community bond. 

The fundraiser garnered adequate amount of donations, including significant contributions from the Newcastle Tibetan Community and the Tibetan Children School. These funds will support V-TAG’s ongoing advocacy initiatives, including their fortnightly Book Society and monthly Tibetan Showcase events, according to V-TAG Newcastle members. 

V-TAG plans to enhance its outreach efforts for future events through partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and universities to broaden their audience. 

The event represents part of V-TAG’s continued efforts to raise awareness about human rights issues in Tibet and support their advocacy work in the Newcastle region. It maintains an active presence in the community, recently participating in the Maitland River Light Festival and maintaining regular outreach at the Newcastle City Farmer’s Market. 

For more information about VTAG’s upcoming events and initiatives, interested community members are encouraged to follow their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. 

-Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, Department of Information and International Relations, CTA

Audiences, both Tibetan and Australian, watching Tibet: Murder in the Snow at the “Tibetan Film Night” event on 6 November 2024. The event was attended by approximately 30-40 individuals.

Guest Speaker Lobsang Lungtok, a former Tibetan political prisoner and member of the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group in Australia, recounts his harrowing journeys across the Nangpala Pass.

Lhubum Borawa, the President of Tibetan Community in Newcastle, Australia, addressing the gathering on 6 November 2024.

A former Tibetan political prisoner and member of the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group in Australia, Rigzin Wangmo shares her personal story and the dangers she endured crossing the mountains under constant threat from Chinese troops.