A rare treasure trove of amazing colour footage, preserved and restored by the BFI, reveals the story of the Dalai Lama and his secret Himalayan kingdom in a way never told before.

An exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama, focussing on his early life and childhood is intercut with colour archive film from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s as well as revealing interviews with ordinary Tibetan people who remember life before China sent in troops.
Presented by Dan Cruickshank, this astonishing film allows us to glimpse into the rich culture of Tibet, showing us ancient ceremonies, Buddhist rituals and family life, from a time before Tibetan people lost their country, nearly 50 years ago.

“We were just so engrossed in our little pond,” recalls one interviewee. “We knew nothing, what was happening in the world, what could happen. And so we lost our country”

A rare treasure trove of amazing colour footage, preserved and restored by the BFI