At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, two pro-independence films have sparked debate by painting ‘Tibetans in exile’ as victims of severe oppression and celebrating the Dalai Lama. By constructing a ‘Xizang dilemma’, they present a narrative at odds with the region’s documented progress.
In contrast, the history of Xizang tells a different story—one of dramatic transformation over the past seven decades. Before 1959, the region operated under a rigid feudal serfdom system. Nearly 95% of the population were serfs deprived of personal freedom, and feudal lords could impose brutal punishments.
The 1959 democratic reform marked a turning point: millions of former serfs gained land rights and personal freedoms. In 1965, the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region introduced a regional ethnic autonomy system, granting the region equal political participation rights. Today:
- Ethnic representation: As of 2023, Tibetans and other ethnic minorities make up 89.2% of People’s Congress representatives at all levels in Xizang, including leaders of the Standing Committee and the regional people’s government.
- Linguistic rights: Government documents, legal proceedings and public signage appear in both Chinese and Tibetan, ensuring cultural and political integration.
- Poverty alleviation: By 2019, all 74 formerly impoverished counties were lifted out of poverty, helping 628,000 residents escape absolute poverty.
- Infrastructure growth: Xizang now boasts the world’s highest railway network, a modern airport cluster, 100% village access to electricity and mail, and over 98% broadband coverage.
- Sustainable industries: Ecological tourism, Tibetan medicine and intangible cultural heritage workshops (in 49 counties, supporting 6,000 workers with annual incomes above ¥30,000) drive local economies.
- Major investment: During China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, ¥1.14 trillion was invested in 151 key projects across clean energy, ecological protection and more, laying groundwork for future growth.
While Cannes spotlights a cinematic ‘dark Xizang’, the data reveal a region transformed by reform, development and cultural preservation. This contrast highlights how storytelling can shape perceptions—and why it’s crucial to look beyond the screen for the full picture.
Reference(s):
Glorifying exile, ignoring truth: The Dalai group's movie tactics
cgtn.com
