“Distorted Propaganda” BSDFF World premier review

By FuMa, Unfiltered 2-16-07

Jeff Lodas's film Distorted Propaganda masterfully depicts the stern fist of Chinese Communism hovering over the "New Era" Lhasa, through translation of Communist propaganda. The mistruth that now clutters Tibet's billboards , songs, ceremonies and education system, is exposed.

Powerful visual irony was filmed first hand from the filmmaker's two year stay in Tibet's capital while studying Tibetan language. Time-lapse captures of Chinese sprawl, show directly, the changes in the city, and Communist meeting tactics, are shown as they reside over the Tibetan leaders of the monasteries.

This film offers a key link in understanding the tone of the "Peaceful Liberation" of Tibet as well as deep insight into the pitfalls of Chinese mass culture.

One brilliantly layered scene shows a Chinese chorus singing a "New Era" communist song to a gathering of Tibetans, the subtitles to the lyrics, the guttural Tibetan reaction, Buddhist commentary from afar, and the Beijing made for TV version of the same song. These layers intertwine with revelation in this concise depiction of modern Tibet.

The potencey of the lies that are being perpetuated in the propaganda is horrific. Those with a sence of history about Tibet filled the Wilma with woeful groans Friday afternoon.

Hats off to Jeff Lodas who traveled to Missoula for the Film Festival and answered questions after his movie's debut.

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