Nowhere To Call Home: A Tibetan in Beijing
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Entering Organization | Stories That Matter Ltd. Tripod Media |
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| Country/Region | United States |
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| Media | Film |
Edwina Waddy
Jocelyn Ford has produced and directed a film that gives us a rare window into the lives of Tibetans, both in their homeland and as they attempt to survive as a minority in the big cities of China. When her path crosses with Zanta, the undisputed heroine in this odyssey, she stumbles across a woman caught in a brutal web of family drama that provid esmuch of the emotional backdrop of the film.
Through this we are shown not only the fierce love of a mother, and her passion to ensure her boy gets a good start in life, but also the ongoing consequences of the Tibetan patriarchy. The film works on many levels, illuminating the importance of education, the importance of family, the importance of mutual cultural understanding. It is also the story of an act of kindness, and our heroine’s determination to try to change her fate.
Through this we are shown not only the fierce love of a mother, and her passion to ensure her boy gets a good start in life, but also the ongoing consequences of the Tibetan patriarchy. The film works on many levels, illuminating the importance of education, the importance of family, the importance of mutual cultural understanding. It is also the story of an act of kindness, and our heroine’s determination to try to change her fate.
Jocelyn Ford
Zanta and I are humbled this film resonates with so many around the globe. As a foreign correspondent stationed in Asia for the past 35 years, this is the first story I decided was worth years of my time. And to think I stumbled on it by accident! I approached Zanta one evening on as she sold jewelry on an overpass because I wondered what would bring Tibetans to Beijing. I had no idea our encounter would become a film that one day would be seen around the world. I hope Zanta’s ultimately uplifting story about overcoming ethnic and gender discrimination will contribute to the global discussion of how to build a more just world. I would be especially honored if our film inspires conversations among young Japanese and Chinese.