Watch Tibet in Song

Tibet in Song is a 2009 documentary film that explores the significance of music in the Tibetan culture and the impact of the Chinese government's suppression of Tibetan music on the Tibetan people. The film was directed by Ngawang Choephel, a Tibetan musician who was imprisoned by the Chinese government for six years for his efforts to preserve Tibetan music. Following his release, Choephel made Tibet in Song as his first feature-length documentary film.

The film begins by showcasing the beauty and diversity of Tibetan music. Through interviews with musicians and scholars, the film explains the different genres of Tibetan music, including songs that are performed at weddings, festivals, and spiritual ceremonies.

However, the film's tone changes as it delves into the darker side of Tibetan music. The Chinese government's suppression of Tibetan culture since their occupation in 1950s has had a significant impact on Tibetan music. Traditional Tibetan music has been deemed as 'backward' and 'superstitious', and many of the traditional instruments such as the dranyen (a Tibetan lute) and the lingbu (a bamboo flute) have been outlawed.

The suppression of Tibetan music is particularly evident in the Chinese government's efforts to promote 'modernized' versions of Tibetan music. The film features several examples of songs that have been 'modernized' by the Chinese government, which consist of Tibetan lyrics that are set to melodies that bear a strong resemblance to Chinese pop music. The film portrays these attempts at 'modernization' as an effort to erase Tibetan musical heritage and culture.

The film also analyzes the cultural and political significance of Tibetan music. Music is seen as a way to preserve traditions, connect with the past, and express social and political resistance. The film highlights the efforts of Tibetan musicians to use music as a means to raise awareness of the situation of Tibet and the Tibetan people.

The film also discusses the role of Tibetan music in the negotiations between the Chinese government and the exiled Tibetan government. Choephel captures the efforts of Lodi Gyari, the former Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to include Tibetan music in the diplomatic negotiations. Gyari argues that including music could provide a way to bridge the cultural differences between the two sides and create a shared understanding of each other's perspectives.

Overall, Tibet in Song is a moving and insightful documentary that provides an in-depth look at the significance of music in Tibetan culture and the challenges that Tibetan musicians face in preserving their musical heritage. The film's exploration of the impact of Chinese suppression on Tibetan music serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the need to support efforts to protect it. The film's message is universal, resonating with anyone who values the power of music to connect people across cultures and express the spirit of humanity.