China Boycotts Film Festival Over Dalai Lama Documentary

PALM SPRINGS- The Palm Springs International Film Festival is having to find new films to replace two movies pulled from the line-up by the Chinese filmmakers as part of a boycott. The ChinaFilm Authority contacted the PSIFF asking them to not show a pro-Dalai Lama documentary.

Officials with the Film Festival have been in talks with the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles. The two couldn’t come to an agreement, so with just days before Opening Night, City of Life and Death and Quick, Quick, Slow were pulled from the festival by the Chinese filmmakers.

Festival Executive Director Darryl Macdonald says,”This has never happen to us at this festival, this is diplomatic pressure applied to it.” China is upset overthe documentary The Sun Behind the Clouds:Tibet’s struggle for freedom. The filmbrings to light the trials and tribulations of the Dalai Lama…including the 2008 protest in Tibet and the long march in India.

This isn’t the first time China has put this kind of pressure on a film festival. Tony Gittens, Director of Filmfest DC says, “The directors and producers from China, love to have their movies seen in other countries, unfortunately they’re caught in politics,I feel for these directors that are the victims.

The Festival will replace City of Life and Death withFor a Moment Freedom andSticky Fingers.The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom screens on Sunday, January 10 at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday, January 12 at 4:00 p.m.

For More Info: Palm Springs International Film Festival: http://www.psfilmfest.org/