Abstract:

Examines the life of Gendun Choepel (1901-1951), a Tibetan monk who left the monastery to become a fierce critic of Tibet's religious conservatism, cultural isolationism and reactionary government. This criticism led to his imprisonment for three years as a political subversive. Includes archival footage, readings from Choepel's works as well as interviews with Tibetan historians, a travel companion, a contemporary British diplomat and Choepel's widow.