Non-profit Documentary about Cleft Palate Patients 'Dzachuka's Smile' Premieres in Beijing

BEIJING, Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 27, Dzachuka's Smile, a non-profit documentary co-produced by China Central Television (CCTV) Documentary Channel and Smile Train, premiered in Beijing. It is CCTV's first non-profit documentary focusing on cleft palate patients.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130927/CN86240 )

The Documentary tells the story of a group of children who are cleft lip victims living on the Dzachuka Plateau at 4,300 meters above sea level at the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, how their lives have been changed by the help of the Lamu Sisters, local officials, and the charitable funding of Smile Train.

"I believe when broadcasted, the documentary can really raise hope for more cleft lip victims. It will also make all those who have worked hard for this project, the Smile Train patrons, the doctors, the nurses, and the volunteers, feel worthwhile," said Liu Wen, Director of CCTV Documentary Channel at the documentary premiere.

"This is a documentary made with great love," said the President of Smile Train Charles B. Wang in an interview. "It tells us that, not only the doctors and charity workers can help reduce or even eliminate the pain of cleft lip and palate children, but also anyone who is enthusiastic about the cause, including government officials, journalists, social workers, artists, and others in various capacities."

Smile Train, the world's largest foundation dedicated to cleft lip and palate victims, has launched programs in 87 countries around the world, and funded nearly one million cases of cleft lip and palate repairing surgeries. Smile Train has been operating in China for 14 years. It is widely regarded as "the greatest project in New China's history of medical charity" for its influence in society, funding efforts, the number of beneficiaries, and other outstanding performances.

"The Chinese government is dedicated in improving the livelihood of the people. We believe that gratifying changes to the lives of cleft lip and palate victims will take place with increasing support of the Government," said Charles B. Wang at the premiere.

The worldwide television premiere of Dzachuka's Smile will air on CCTV Composite (CCTV 1) on the evening of September 30, 2013 and will be replayed on CCTV Documentary (CCTV 9) on October 7. Meanwhile, it will compete for the 12th Sichuan International "Golden Panda" Award for Documentary in 2013."