The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet. But thanks to his tireless commitment to peace and human rights, he is also one of the most famous personalities in contemporary history.
This documentary tells the story of how the son of a simple farming family became the spiritual leader of the Tibetans. At the age of just four years old, Lhamo Dhondup became the 14th Dalai Lama. He journeyed to the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. From then on, he was constantly surrounded by an entourage. His childhood was over.
When the People's Republic of China was founded, Mao Zedong announced that he also wanted to "liberate” Tibet. In 1950, Chinese troops advanced into Lhasa and occupied the country. The film shows the Dalai Lama's flight into exile in 1959 -- the result of years of oppression by Chinese rulers.
For decades now, the Dalai Lama has led the Tibetan government in exile from Dharamsala, India. He has also traveled the world as a peace activist. He celebrated his 90th birthday in July 2025. Observers speculate that China will exert its influence in the appointment of a successor. The consequences for Tibet are unforeseeable.
#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #dalailama #tibet
______
DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.
Subscribe to: ‬
⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumentary
⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental
⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia
⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/dwdochindi
⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/dwdoku
For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610
Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/
Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental
We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G