After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, a devout monk turns to violence and becomes a guerrilla leader, launching raids from his base in Nepal. An immigrant mother in California, who follows the Dalai Lama’s Middle Path of nonviolence, defies Chinese border restrictions to reunite with her family after 30 years of separation. A student-activist in India, who grew up under Chinese-controlled Tibet, turns to suicide protest. This creative exploration of the evolving responses by pacifist, Buddhist Tibetans to Chinese occupation is based upon first-hand oral accounts by three exiles. Between each portrait, the Tibetan American director reflects on each mode of resistance as he wanders the American frontier that resembles his lost homeland.
An award-winning venue in the heart of Byron Bay. Lovingly called ‘Festival HQ’ the inaugural festival occurred here in January 2006 screening just 55 Australian Films and BBFF has grown steadily every year and grown its presence across the Community Centre.
The films screening here are eclectic, colourful, quirky, sometimes challenging, sometimes inspirational, but always intriguing, just like Byron’s own uniquely diverse community. Completed in late 2002, The Byron Community Centre is a world-class venue in the heart of Byron Bay. This multi-purpose facility hosts a great variety of activities including performing arts events, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, receptions and functions. It also accommodates the Bay FM Community Radio, Liberation Larder, Planet Corroboree (an Aboriginal art and craft shop) and Fundamentals (a natural health store).
The Centre plays a major community development function in the Byron shire. Over 20+ years it has established many community services, helping create over 60 jobs and bringing in over $10 million to the local community.