Dhondup Wangchen embodies the courage and resilience of individuals who strive for freedom and justice. His story serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by many Tibetans in their pursuit of basic human rights.

Dhondup Wangchen is a Tibetan Filmmaker. His film, Leaving Fear Behind was made using a series of interviews with ordinary Tibetans in Tibet on their views on the Olympic Games, the Dalai Lama, and Chinese govt policies in Tibet.

The film gives the viewer a rare glimpse into the reality of Tibetans living under Chinese occupation. It remarkably portrays the ordinary life of Tibetans and gives a glimpse of the thoughts, feelings, and struggles of Tibetans living under occupation.

Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced to six years imprisonment for subversion in Tibet. Numerous international human rights organizations protested his detention, including amnestyusa which named him a prisoner of conscience.

Despite the adversity he faced, Dhondup Wangchen’s spirit remained unbroken. His unwavering determination to share the stories of his people, even at great personal risk, symbolizes the indomitable human spirit and the power of art as a tool for resistance and social change.