World Himalaya Film Festival 14 and 15 February 2009

World Himalaya Film Festival 14 and 15 February 2009

AMSTERDAM, February 11/PRNewswire/ --

- Politics, Culture and Nature in 53 Films

In June 2009, for the first time in ten years, Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama will visit the Netherlands. On 14 and 15 February, however, he can already be seen and heard at the Himalaya Film Festival in Amstelveen, near the Dutch capital Amsterdam. "The Tibetan issue plays a vital role here," says festival director Glenn Mitrasing, "but in addition as many as 30 films about Nepal will be screened. In all, 53 films, documentaries and lectures will paint a picture of the fascinating diversity and unique character of the Himalayan region."

Theme of this 7th edition of the Festival is 'impermanence'. Mitrasing: "Everything is impermanent, everything is transient. In the Himalayan region this appears in many forms. Visitors may, for instance, watch Road to Tibet, about a reprise of the non-violent march, just before the Olympic Games."

The film The Sari Soldiers shows the attempts of six brave women to shape Nepal's future in the midst of civil war. Mitrasing also mentions Child Soldiers of Nepal's Maoist Army. "This documentary follows several Nepali children as they attempt to reintegrate into civil society after having been child soldiers in the Maoist 'People's War'. Very moving!"

Extreme beauty

Besides political films, several 'lighter' films will be screened. Mitrasing: "They emphasize the extreme beauty of the region. An example is Himalaya, Land of Women, offering viewers a sensitive and poetic immersion in the life of four generations of women during harvesting season. Or 'One Crazy Ride', about friendship and never giving up during a motorcycle expedition across Northeast India."

Lectures

Past, present and future will play a vital role at this festival. Conservation architect John Sanday will talk about conservation of old buildings and the impact it has on local communities. Pema Wangchuk will highlight how geo-political decisions have impacted the Dokpas (yak herders). Together with the makers of the 53 films the viewers will get a diverse and dynamic picture of the Himalayan region.

For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.himalayafilmfestival.nl . The Himalaya Film Festival will be at 'De Griffioen', the cultural centre of the Free University of Amsterdam.

http://www.himalayafilmfestival.nl

Source: Himalaya Archive The Netherlands

Contacts: Himalaya Archive Netherlands: info@himalaya-archief.nl; Dr G K Mitrasing, Newsbank, Tel. +31-30-2881286

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Profile: International Entertainment