In 1996, twenty artists as diverse as KRS-1, John Lee Hooker, and Noel Gallagher gathered for a benefit concert on behalf of the Tibetan people. Set in Golden Gate Park San Francisco, the Tibetan Freedom Concert drew a crowd of over 100,000 and raised $80,000 for Tibetan aid. Between 1996 and 2001, the event launch a series of subsequent performances held across the U.S. and other nations worldwide. In addition, the series helped inspire the formation of Students for a Free Tibet, an international youth organization devoted to Tibetan independence.
Adam Yauch, both a Buddhist and a Beastie Boy, masterminded the concert series and went on to produce the FREE TIBET documentary. The film itself, directed by Sarah Pirozhek, chronicles that monumental concert and gives an account of the Tibetan people's plight as well as their nonviolent protest against oppression. The film also includes footage that helps illuminate the different interests within the Tibetan controversy, such as the Dalai Lama's poignant appeal to Congress and President Clinton's declaration on free trade with China. The film offers performances from many of the biggest names in popular music: A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Bjork, De La Soul, Foo Fighters, Fugees, Richie Havens, John Lee Hooker, Biz Markie, Tim Meadows, Yoko Ono, Pavement, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sonic Youth and Smashing Pumpkins all make their appearance.
Like an Aesop's Fable then, FREE TIBET will entertain audiences even as it educates them about one of today's most pressing moral issues.
