MY LENS, MY LAND
U.S.A | Short Documentary | 2024 | 23 mins | Tibetan with English Subtitles
About The Film
Daze, a Tibetan nomad, transformed his life with a camera. Documenting traditions and threats to the homeland, his philosophical films become a call to action, a lifeline for plateau creatures.
Director's Statement
The nomadic lifestyle has inspired me deeply, especially its ethos of coexistence with all living beings. Human progress and climate shifts shrink habitats, and the land struggles to rejuvenate. Daze uses his camera, a rare sight on the grassland, to ignite actions beyond mere awareness.
The traditional Tibetan nomad's philosophy of harmony with all beings and the camera's role in sparking change motivated me to pick up my own camera.
Story Description
In My Lens, My Land, vérité scenes and Daze's voice unveil his family's serene and secluded existence. At 14,000 feet in Tibet's Amdo region, these nomadic Tibetans are profoundly connected to their land and all living beings.
Yet, a hidden danger looms over the grasslands. Since 1984, people have observed the degradation of the grasslands due to an overpopulation of pikas. Despite government interventions, such as hiring people to plant grass and using poison to control the pika population, the problem persists. Daze, a native nomad who also makes documentaries, has captured a crucial insight into this issue through his films.
My Lens, My Land intertwines with Daze's profound films, their poetic daily life, and the captivating dialogues between him and his daughter, revealing the camera's subtle impact on his consciousness.
This journey culminates in Daze's transformative actions, as he initiates grassroots movements to restore the local ecosystem with the community’s help.
Featuring
Daze
He has been a member of the Nyantsog Conservation Association since 2010. After learning filmmaking at the From Our Eyes nonprofit organization (Yunnan, China), he founded his nonprofit filming group, Nyanmecang, in 2014, which stands for Nyanbo Yutse Mountain, Eyes, and Family. His films, such as Yak Dung, Pika, Homeland, etc., have been screened domestically and globally. Daze and his group rely on public funds yearly to continue their projects.
Family Members
Dorjee Tso, Kawa Tso, Dawa Tsering, Galang Dawa
Credits
Producer/Director Ke Chen
Cinematographer/Editor Ke Chen
Translators Tenzin Dhargyal, Kawa Tso, Jigme Dorjee, Thupa, Tashi Dhondup, Youdon Kyi, Tsewang Gyal, Ugyen Namgyal
Local Referer Bing Lyu, Tenzin Dhargyal
Executive Producer Marcia Rock
Story Consultant Marcia Rock, Shimon Dotan
Editing Consultant Marcia Rock, Aviva Slesin, Shimon Dotan
Composer Yilun Song
Ending Song Singer Dorjee Tso
Poster Designer Yaoting Wang