Although Tibet’s political and social situation has simmered since the time when the 2008 Summer Olympics were in full swing in China, the plight of the Tibetans still remains a passionate subject for many artists. Thom Yorke, Damien Rice and Philip Glass have teamed up to compose music for a documentary film on the country that has been living under the rule of a Chinese regime for decades.
The film When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun follows the conflicts stemming from Chinese occupation since 1949 and the people’s loss of identity as they were exiled and at the mercy of the Chinese Army. The film covers Tibetan efforts to regain their independence and to prevent their culture from dissolving.
Before collaborating on the project, Philip Glass was already touched by the story of the Tibetans when he wrote the score for the 1997 film Kundun. Thom Yorke’s involvement also comes as no surprise, since the Radiohead singer has been known to participate in events supporting the Tibetans. Additionally, Damien Rice has shown support with his contribution of the song Making Noise for the 2008 album, Songs for Tibet – The Art of Peace.