The Giant Buddhas
Christian Frei, Denise Zabalaga, Peter Mettler, Nelofer Pazira, Taysīr. ʻAllūnī, Zemaryalai Tarzi, Peter Indergand, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, Jan Garbarek, Steve Kuhn, Peter Spoerri, Xuanzang, Christian Frei Filmproductions, Schweizer Fernsehen DRS, ZDF/Arte (Firm), Suissimage, Films Transit International Inc
Six months before the Twin Towers attacks in New York, 2001, two huge Buddha statues were blown up by the Taliban in the remote area of Bamiyantal in Afghanistan. This dramatic event surrounding the ancient stone colossi - unique proof of a high culture that bloomed until the 13th century along the Silk Road - is the starting point for a cinematic essay on fanaticism, terror and tolerance, ignorance and identity. Discusses the lives of the people who live near the Giant Buddhas, the history of the Buddhas, attempts to construct a copy in China, and plans to reconstruct them in their original place. Also discussed are other archaeological projects, and the destruction and looting of artifacts, in Afghanistan
DVD Video, English, [2008?]
Films Transit International, [Montreal, Quebec], [2008?]