"Tibet in Song" describes the loss of folk ways and folk music in Tibet. It is the ongoing tragedy of Chinese cultural destruction of Tibetan people. Ngawang Choephel's documentary is a compelling one; the musicologist and Fulbright scholar is drawn back to his home to research and record Tibetan Folk music. He is arrested by the Chinese and sentenced to eighteen years in prison. His mother and other musicians take up the challenge to get him released. The music has been subverted by the Chinese and is used for propaganda. But not all music can be stolen and people still know it and retain it as a means of resistance. How to preserve it, teach it and keep its traditions alive are major challenges for Tibetan people. Even parts of this film were confiscated but what exists is passionate and alive.
Director Jessica Oreck's "Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" is a visual and audio delight! The soundtrack is a compilation of many different kinds of Japanese music. A winner of the Special Jury Award for Artistic Vision, Cinevegas, 2009, this documentary details insects -ho
w they look and sound - and the similarities between their world and ours. Japan's fascination with insects stems from its religious (Shinto) and cultural traditions. The children's delight at spotting insects in the woods, or fireflies at night, or in pet stores for $45. and their care of their 'pets' at home draws you closer and makes you laugh. While we often tend to avoid insects, their important role is undeniable.
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