The Search for Shangri-la

Take a fascinating journey back in time- to explore a hidden country and share the experiences of those few travellers, explorers and diplomats permitted to enter Tibet before 1950. A rich tapestry of ceremonial events, dramatic landscapes, colourful flora and fauna captured on film from the BFI National Archive reveal a lost world - a veritable Shangri-la.

All films:

Climbing Mount Everest
1922, ph. Capt. J.B.Noel | extract 10 mins
Courtesy of the Royal Geographical Society
The first film record of Tibet - taken during the 1922 attempt to climb Everest. The British party were permitted by the Dalai Lama to travel through Tibet en route to the fabled mountain.

Tibet
1928, ph. Col.F.M.Bailey | extract 5 mins
Col. Bailey, a legendary explorer and secret agent, travelled through Bhutan and Tibet in the 1920s and 30s. His films capture rural life as well as documenting his travels.

Tibet
1934 | extract 3 mins
Courtesy of the Royal Geographical Society
Sir Charles Bell, diplomat and friend of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, returned to Tibet in 1934. In this extract he is seen using local methods of transport to cross a river.

Mrs. Williamson's Films
1935 | extracts 9 mins
Derrick and Peggy Williamson – political representatives in Lhasa- host tea parties and games at the British residency, including musical chairs and egg and spoon races.

Sir Basil Gould's Film Collection
1936 and 1940-41 | extracts 12 mins
Courtesy of R.Gould
Sir Basil Gould, political officer, made two diplomatic missions to Lhasa. The first extract records his visit in 1936. In 1940 he was invited to witness the installation of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Mr. Baker's Film
1941 | extracts 7 mins
Henry Baker accompanied the Gould mission and in 1941 he filmed the New Year celebrations, including the dramatic Black Hat dance.

Major Guthrie's Collection
c.1945, extracts 7 mins
Courtesy of C. Guthrie
Major Guthrie served as medical officer to the British Mission. The extracts show a visit from the Sakya Lama and his wife and a ceremonial procession including a unique close-up of the young Dalai Lama in his golden palanquin.

Major Sherriff's Films
c.1943 | extracts 10mins
George and Betty Sherriff ran the British Mission from 1943 to 1945. George was also a legendary plant collector in Bhutan and Tibet. He created a delightful garden at the residency, often visited by local dignitaries, including the Dalai Lama's family.

Tibetan Scenes
1945 | extracts 12 mins
Tsien Lien Shen represented the Nationalist Chinese government in Lhasa, prior to occupation. His vibrant films record ceremonial occasions as well as everyday activities. A highlight is an impromptu fashion show given by his guests.

The Lost World of Tibet
c.1970 | extracts 7 mins
With thanks to Roger Croston
Betty Sherriff , having returned to Britain, reflects on the time she spent in Tibet.