View from the roof of the world

A series at The Art House titled "The Power of Truth: Films from Tibet" will offer an extended look at a part of the world seldom visited by outsiders, a world of caravans and startling terrain.

"The Power of Truth" includes these films:

"Lung Ta: The Forgotten Tibet," directed by Marie Jaoul de Poncheville and Franz-Christoph Giercke (86 minutes; France). Richard Gere narrates. 3 and 7:30 p.m. today and Monday.

"Saltmen of Tibet," directed by Ulrike Koch (110 minutes; Germany). Four men journey to fetch salt from the holy lakes of northern Tibet. 1, 5:15 and 9:45 p.m. today and Monday.

"Ram Dass: Fierce Grace," directed by Mickey Lemle (95 minutes; United States). A bio of the former Richard Alpert, now Ram Dass, spiritual leader, author and lecturer. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday; 1, 5:15 and 9:45 p.m. Thursday.

"The Power of Truth: According to the Dalai Lama," directed by Irene Greve (60 minutes; Denmark). The Dalai Lama shares his message of nonviolence. 1, 5:15 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Sherpa: Unsung Heroes," directed by Win Whittaker (86 minutes; United States). A look at Himalayan mountaineering and the Sherpa tribe. 1, 5:15 and 9:45 p.m. Sunday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"Himalaya," directed by Eric Valli (108 minutes; Nepal/France). An aging chief and a young chief-to-be lead rival caravans. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday; 1, 5:15 and 9:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Other series at the Sony Video Theatre in the coming weeks:

Nov. 22-28 — "Catch a Wave Film Festival," featuring surf films from Rip Curl and others, coinciding with the Triple Crown Surf Championship on the North Shore.

Dec. 6-12 — "Cinema Paradise," a showcase of independent, experimental and cutting-edge films.

Dec. 13-19 — "Joyeux Noel French Film Festival," a showcase of classic French titles, including a Catherine Deneuve retrospective and the Hawai'i premiere of "8 Women," starring Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Emanuelle Béart, Danielle Darrieux and Fanny Ardant.

Dec. 20-27 — "Beyond the Beach," a weeklong celebration of productions by Hawai'i filmmakers, coinciding with the holiday season to depict a Hawai'i beyond the beach.

Jan. 3-9 — "Earth Magic," featuring films about land and sea, with a focus on the environment.