''Face-to-Face with Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam''
(Trivandrum, Kerala | December 15, 2005)

Trivandrum, Kerala: This year's 10th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) held at Trivandrum noted for one thing - the presence of the first feature film on Tibet by a Tibetan. It is undoubtedly the much expected 'Dreaming Lhasa' by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. The film was well appreciated by the native and foreign viewers though it lacked to click much on the Malayalam media field. They had made the Censor Board crisis a great issue. But since the film didn't have any stuff they expected as 'A' certified and since due to their lack of awareness about Tibet, the film was rated 'mediocre.'

On this occasion Friends of Tibet: Trivandrum Chapter and the Film Club at Govt College of Teacher Education (GCTE) jointly organised a 'Face-to-Face' with these legendary directors on December 16, 2005. The meetings commenced with the Principal, Prof Jacob Mathew at the chair, Tenzing Sonam, Ritu Sarin and Tenzin Tsetan (an associate of the directors) on the dais. Appu Jacob John, co-ordinator of the Friends of Tibet: Trivandrum Chapter welcomed the guests and Sumi M, Secretary of the Film Club did the vote of thanks. After the presidential address the students were allowed to have a 'Face-to-Face' with the director couple. Even though the students did not ask the guests shared their images on cinema as a tool for social change. The guests were presented two Kerala lamps by the college on the occasion. The Principal was presented a set of Khatas by the Friends of Tibet on the occasion. After the 'Face-to-Face', the directors inaugurated film club. The meeting was followed by the screening of 'A Stranger in My Native Land,' a documentary on the directors' first journey to Tibet.

'Face-to-Face with Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam' was held at the Govt College of Teacher Education, Trivandrum, Kerala on December 15, 2005 was organised by Friends of Tibet (India): Trivandrum Chapter in association with the Film Club, GCTE.