GOD knows all decent people despise China’s brutal occupation of Tibet and look forward to that captive nation’s liberation, but sitting through Martin Scorsese’s “Kundun,” a beautifully photographed but snoozy Dalai Lama biopic, was not my idea of suffering for the cause.

Now comes an equally dull companion piece, a “making of” documentary called “In Search of Kundun With Martin Scorsese.”

Director Michael H. Wilson should have gone in search of a narrator. His film is not without its moments, but its collage of interviews and snapshots from the set desperately needs organizing into a coherent narrative.

The best parts of the film show the great Scorsese directing Tibetan children. Who knew that the choreographer behind such grand ballets of violence as “Raging Bull” and “GoodFellas” could be so sweet and tender with little ones?

Equally affecting are interviews with the amateur Tibetan actors humbled and moved by the opportunity to portray leading figures in what they describe as their nation’s worst-ever calamity.

But most of “In Search of…” meanders around the “Kundun” project, touching on but never satisfactorily exploring the challenges an American filmmaker and his Western crew face in telling a story about the avatar of an ancient, peaceful religion clashing with ferocious, atheistic modern ideology.

Judging from this documentary, Scorsese clearly loves and respects Tibetan culture, but neither he nor screenwriter Melissa Mathison offers any illuminating insight into their subject. Which probably explains why “Kundun” was a gorgeous dud.

Tonight’s 6:30 premiere screening, which costs $35 (regular screenings will run you a 10-spot) will be followed by a Q&A session with Scorsese.

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IN SEARCH OF KUNDUN WITH MARTIN SCORSESE

A documentary directed by Michael H. Wilson. Running time: 84 minutes. Unrated. Through May 6 at 59th Street East Cinema, between Second and Third avenues.