Echoes From Tibet - Panoramic views of the high snow ranges provide the backdrop for the austere and rugged village life of Tibetans and Ladakhis, high in the the western Himalayas. "Echoes from Tibet" examines their shared social habits, Buddhist religion and customs. Tibetan script Harvesting and threshing; work songs; the vigorous yak dance - all these are explored in the first half of this film.

Next, we are taken to a Tibetan refugee settlement for a look at daily life and work. Men and women work at typical handicrafts while singing work songs. Tibetan women make carpet trimmings with accompanying songs. They collect their children from a day nursery; going home and working at their spinning wheels.

A huge incense burner with rising smoke welcomes a visit from his holiness, the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan Children's Village at Dharamsala in the western foothills of the Himalayas. The film ends with an extract from a ritual dance-drama staged for the occasion of the Dalai Lama's visit, followed by a dance of the Black Hat Sect. A wonderful and intimate look at these fascinating people.

"These films include some fascinating general footage, always with traditional music as background, as well as some valuable and sometimes extended scenes of genuine ceremonies and events." Dr. Terry Miller, Department of Ethnomusicology, Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, Kent State University

One DVD program with English narration. 29 minutes. Film originally released in 1980 NTSC only