India premiere of 'Miss Tibet...' held in Kochi

After making the world premiere at US documentary festival DOC NYC last year, award-winning documentary "Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile" had its India premiere at All Lights India International Film Festival (ALIIFF) here on Monday.

The coming of age documentary follows Tenzin Khecheo's journey to Dharamshala as she competes in an unusual -- and controversial -- beauty pageant for Tibetan exiles.

It is a journey of self-discovery as well as a return to her roots.

Growing up in America, born in India, exiled from her parents' homeland, she struggles with her cultural identity in ways that will resonate with Indian audiences.

"Bringing the film to the Indian audience is particularly gratifying and exciting because the bulk of the film takes place in India, which has graciously hosted the exiled Tibetan community since 1959," the film's director Norah Shapiro said in a statement.

"In addition, the film's subject, Tenzin Khecheo, was born in India and took her first trip back to her birthplace during the course of the film," she added

Shapiro also said that "the cultural influence of India on the evolving Tibetan exile culture is evident throughout the film."

"We hope that the film will provide a forum for speaking out about the Tibetan situation, as well as give audiences the chance to experience Tibetan culture," she added.

Produced by Flying Pieces Productions, the film has impressed international audiences at various film festivals like Asian American International Film Festival and the 2015 Global Peace Film Festival, and has garnered positive reviews.