Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country

I was fortunate to see this wonderful documentary at the ICA in London on Saturday - admirable, courageous, brave and deserving to be screened to a wider audience. If you get an opportunity try and see it and show your support.

Official Trailer

Evidence of military brutality smuggled out of Burma is raw and compelling.

The smudged, smuggled footage of recent turbulence in Iran and China that has been circulating on the web gives a topical edge to Burma VJ, Anders Ostergard’s eye-opening and inspiring look at an underground cadre of guerilla film makers who have risked their lives to document the freedom struggles of people in ‘Myanmar’.

In summer 2007 a group of monks there led a rebellion, triggered by price hikes for fuel, against the dictatorship that has ruled the nation for four decades. Immediately, foreign news reporters were banished and the internet was censored. A brave group, calling itself The Democratic Voice of Burma, armed itself with digicams to record demonstrations, give voice to protestors, and to capture evidence of military brutality.

That footage, smuggled to Norway via Thailand, is raw and compelling. The story of how it was sneaked out is worthy of the best thrillers. Burma VJ is crucial testament to the will of a suffering people to ensure the world does not forget them.

Sukhdev Sandhu, Telegraph.co.uk

Offical website: http://www.burmavjmovie.com/

A Year in Tibet - Episode Three

Here is the third of five episodes on the wonderful documentary, A Year in Tibet. I trust you've all enjoyed the first and second episodes recently posted on here.
It's winter time in Gyantse, New Years day preparations at the monestary and poor "Osa" is seriously ill and his family fear for this life.

Again, this episode is split into six 10 minute segments for easy viewing. Check "Latest blog posts" to view the first and second episode. Happy viewing.

I will upload the rest of the episodes in due course - check back soon!

A Year in Tibet - Episode Three- Part 1/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Three - Part 2/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Three - Part 3/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Three - Part 4/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Three - Part 5/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Three - Part 6/6

A Year in Tibet - Episode Two

The second episode in a five-part BBC4 documentary on life living in and around the Tibetan town, Gyantse.

Below is the second episode of the five part documentary, again split into six 10 minute segments for easy viewing. Check "Latest blog posts" to view the first episode which was recently added.

I will upload the rest of the episodes in due course - check back soon!

A Year in Tibet - Episode Two- Part 1/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Two - Part 2/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Two - Part 3/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Two - Part 4/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode Two - Part 5/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 6/6

BBC4 documentary "Bombay Railways"

Having watched the BBC4 documentary called "Bombay Railways", I've found a 20 minute segment on the fascinating two-part observational documentary. The programme looks at the incredible organisation that is the Bombay Railway, with stories of the people who keep the trains running 24 hours a day, those who survive because of it - and those who die on it.
The documentary is repeated on BBC4 sporadically so keep checking!

A Year in Tibet - Episode One

Not sure if many of you managed to catch the wonderful series that was on BBC4 in March - A Year in Tibet.
It was a five-part documentary series following a year in the life of the society living in and around Gyantse, Tibet's third largest town.

After a search on youtube I've managed to find the entire documentary and will post it on my blog for your viewing.

Below is episode one of the five part documentary, split into six 10 minute segments for easy viewing. See how the Monks deal with the stray dogs at the Monastery ahead of the Panchen Lama visits - eeeew!

I will upload the rest of the eposides in due course - check back soon!

Sit back and enjoy.....

A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 1/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 2/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 3/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 4/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 5/6


A Year in Tibet - Episode One - Part 6/6