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A Path to Happiness: His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2006)
Character: Self
Listen in as one of the world’s most recognized and charismatic spiritual leaders discusses the recipe for living peacefully and joyfully in this multipart series. The key, the Dalai Lama says, is truly knowing one’s self and understanding personal foibles, thus making it easy and natural to reach out to others. The program includes an introduction to the benefits of meditation as well as a discussion of the power and practice of compassion.
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Happiness Is (2009)
Character: Self
Happiness Is is a road trip documentary that explores American's "pursuit of happiness".
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Tibetan Refugee (2004)
Character: Self
This documentary tells the tragic story surrounding one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders, the Dalai Lama, and the lengths to which people will go in order to experience his power Tibetan Refugee film. After the Chinese government forced him out of his native Tibet, the Dalai Lama settled in Northern India. Featuring interviews with scholars and those who made the same trek over the mighty Himalayas, TIBETAN REFUGEE is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
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The Dalai Lama: Peace and Prosperity (2008)
Character: Self
In this sold-out 2007 lecture recorded at Radio City Music Hall, the esteemed Dalai Lama speaks with grace and humor to a receptive audience about how all people can foster peace and create prosperity in their lives -- and in the world at large. The insightful spiritual leader also discusses how to apply fundamental Buddhist principles to everyday life. Actor Richard Gere provides an introduction.
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The Last Dalai Lama? (2017)
Character: Self
In his 1992 documentary "Compassion in Exile", filmmaker Mickey Lemle created a groundbreaking portrait of the 14th Dalai Lama. His new film takes a fresh look at what is important for His Holiness, who is now in his 80s: the historic confrontation between Tibet and China; his influence in political, spiritual and educational spheres; his work with neuroscientists; and his personal feelings on aging, dying and whether he will be the last Dalai Lama. His impact on the West has grown over the 25 years since the earlier film, and we see some of his influence at work in classes and scientific studies. Artfully weaving interviews and accounts from family, friends and people he inspired, this film vibrantly conveys the Dalai Lama’s humor, wisdom and compassion
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Earth Sutra (2016)
Character: Self
'Earth Sutra' is the documentary that will change your vision of Tibet after six decades of control under Chinese oppression. Dare to reflect on your relationship with the Earth and your relationship with other humans through Earth Sutra, a portrait of Tibet's survival in exile and how their ancient culture can positively influence our planet for the challenges and crises presented in the 21st century.
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Jesus in India (2008)
Character: Self - His Holiness the 4th Dalai Lama
A seeker's quest across 4000 miles of India in search of answers about where Jesus was during the "Hidden Years" from ages 12 to 30.
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Discover the Gift (2010)
Character: Self - Spiritual Leader of Tibet
Within each of us, there are special Gifts simply awaiting discovery. The sense of joy, power, fulfillment, freedom, and unconditional love that we experience in our lives is directly related to these Gifts, yet so many of us have yet to unlock their full potential, leaving us longing for a sense of happiness and fulfillment. For sister and brother team Shajen Joy Aziz and Demian Lichtenstein, something was missing in their lives until they tapped into the power of their own unique Gifts, leading to a profound personal transformation that has enabled them to connect to the fullness of life. Their incredible personal journeys of spiritual growth have fueled their desire to share what they have learned and in Discover The Gift, they share their story and take us step-by-step through this journey of discovery which has the power to change not only individual lives, but can transform our entire world.
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Happy (2012)
Character: Self
Happy is a 2011 feature documentary film directed, written, and co-produced by Roko Belic. It explores human happiness through interviews with people from all walks of life in 14 different countries, weaving in the newest findings of positive psychology. Director Roko Belic was originally inspired to create the film after producer/director Tom Shadyac (Liar, Liar, Patch Adams, Bruce Almighty) showed him an article in the New York Times entitled "A New Measure of Well Being From a Happy Little Kingdom". The article ranks the United States as the 23rd happiest country in the world. Shadyac then suggested that Belic make a documentary about happiness. Belic spent several years interviewing over 20 people, ranging from leading happiness researchers to a rickshaw driver in Kolkatta, a family living in a "co-housing community" in Denmark, a woman who was run over by a truck, a Cajun fisherman, and more.
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Compassion in Emptiness (2011)
Character: Self
Over the course of a three-day series of teachings and a public lecture, the Dalai Lama discusses numerous Buddhist tenets, such as maintaining compassion despite the pressures of modern society, achieving inner peace and living a responsible life.
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The Four Noble Truths (1997)
Character: Self
Filmed in London in 1997, this documentary chronicles a series of lectures given by the 14th Dalai Lama. Over the course of six hours, he covers the four basic principles of Buddhist thought: The existence of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the way that leads to the cessation of suffering. He then explains the Buddhist worldview and how one can reach the path to inner peace through meditation.
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Souls of Zen: Ancestors and Agency in Contemporary Japanese Temple Buddhism (2012)
Character: Self
The Japanese population’s reaction to the catastrophe of March 2011 has been described as “stoic” by the Western media. The Japanese code of conduct is indeed deeply rooted in their Buddhist traditions, and young filmmakers Tim Graf and Jakob Montrasio observe in detail what this means for the people and their religion. At graveyards, in temples, at monasteries and with families, they question the impact this triple affliction has had on the lives and beliefs of the inhabitants. How deeply do their beliefs affect their grieving? What role do the monks play in assisting people with their grief? And, what effects has this enormous catastrophe had on their religious rituals? SOULS OF ZEN inserts the events of March 2011 into the context of traditional Zen Buddhism, examining Japan’s religiousness and the beliefs of those practising it at a crucial turning point.
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Le message des Tibetains (1966)
Character: Self
In 1963, for the first time, the Dalai Lama allowed a Westerner, Desjardins, to film the heart of the Tibetan tradition. These two films were originally shown on French television in the 1960's and are a wonderful testimony, revealing some of Tibet's foremost masters as they were then. It includes footage of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the Sixteenth Karmapa, Dudjom Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin, and the yogis Apo Rinpoche and Lopon Sonam Zangpo. "These portraits of the legendary Tibetan masters are not simply a unique historical record, not only a stunning and moving inspiration for now and for the future, but an extraordinary testimony, a treasure." Sogyal Rinpoche.
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Далай Лама: Рассвет/Закат (2008)
Character: Self
The daily life of the Dalai Lama is brought home with remarkable intimacy in SUNRISE/SUNSET. Granted total access to His Holiness for 24 hours, this is a day in the life of the Dalai Lama from when he wakes up at 3 a.m. until his bedtime at dusk.
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Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me (2013)
Character: Self
Khalo Matabane spent two years making the film, interviewing those who knew and loved Mandela, and also those who criticised him. Global thinkers, politicians and artists including the Dalai Lama, Henry Kissinger and Ariel Dorfman talk about the effect of his policies and his decision making. Their thoughts are weighed equally with ordinary South Africans like Charity Kondile, who refuses to forgive her son's apartheid operative murderer. Through these interviews, completed in the last months of Mandela's life, Matabane interrogates for himself the meaning of freedom, reconciliation and forgiveness. By doing so he challenges Mandela's enduring impact in today's world of conflict and inequality. Thought-provoking and reflective, Mandela, the Myth and Me is a moving film which frames Mandela from a fresh, deeply personal perspective. (Storyville)
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Merton: A Film Biography (1984)
Character: Self - The Dalai Lama
In his lifetime, Thomas Merton was hailed as a prophet and censured for his outspoken social criticism. For nearly 27 years he was a monk of the austere Trappist order, where he became an eloquent spiritual writer and mystic as well as an anti-war advocate and witness to peace. Merton: A Film Biography provides the first comprehensive look at this remarkable 20th century religious philosopher who wrote, in addition to his immensely popular autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain, over 60 books on some of the most pressing social issues of our time, some of which are excerpted here. Merton offers an engaging profile of a man whose presence in the world touched millions of people and whose words and thoughts continue to have a profound impact and relevance today.
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Mystical Brain (2006)
Character: Self
Documentary / Other - Is it possible to shed light on the states of grace experienced by mystics and meditators? Mystical Brain shows us the most recent discoveries of scientific research on this phenomenon in North America and abroad. It seems that mystical ecstasy is a profoundly transformative experience. It could contribute to people's psychic and bodily health, treat depression and speed up the healing process in patients who combine meditation with conventional medicine.
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Women of Tibet: A Quiet Revolution (2008)
Character: N/A
In 1959 thousands of unarmed Tibetan women took to the streets of Lhasa to oppose the violent Chinese occupation of their country. For the first time on film, three generations of Tibetan women and His Holiness the Dalai Lama recount one of the great movements of nonviolent resistance in modern history.
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Spirit of Tibet: Journey to Enlightenment, the Life and World of Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche (1995)
Character: Self
An intimate glimpse into the life and world of one of Tibet's most revered teachers: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991). A writer, poet and meditation master, Khyentse Rinpoche was an inspiration to all who encountered him. His many students throughout the world included the Dalai Lama. This unique portrait tells Khyentse Rinpoche's story from birth to death... -- from his escape following China's invasion of Tibet to his determination to preserve and transmit Buddhist teachings. Along with rare photographs of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, this film features interviews with the Dalai Lama. Director Matthieu Ricard -- French photographer, Buddhist monk and bestselling author -- travelled with Khyentse Rinpoche for over 14 years.
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對話 (2014)
Character: Self
Interviews with Dalai Lama and some Chinese intellectuals about Tibet/China relations and related issues.
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The Jew in the Lotus (1998)
Character: Self
Tells how Rodger Kamenetz, author of the best-selling 1994 book by the same title, found his way back to Judaism - the tradition of his birth.
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An Officer & His Holiness: The Dalai Lama's Secret Escape into Exile (2019)
Character: Self
Told in his own words on film, the documentary reveals how in 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet into India on foot over the Himalayas. This perilous trek took 13 days, with the Dalai Lama only able to travel at night to evade detection. This singular event has influenced the lives of millions worldwide.
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The Dance of Infinity (2015)
Character: Self
True happiness is based on the realized life and development of humanity to the Highest. The film tells us about the Great Search for Paradise, Happiness, Love, Truth, Freedom, Holiness, Joy, Knowledge, Creativity and High Perfection carried out by humanity.
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Kalachakra l'Eveil (2017)
Character: Self
Immersed in the colorful and vibrant setting of Dharamsala (India), four individuals from very different backgrounds come together to face their deepest fears as they approach the transformational power of the Kalachakra initiation, led by the Dalai Lama. Through this film, we enter and discover an ancient yet unknown dimension where death meets life, a dimension that changes someone forever.
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The Great 14th: Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama In His Own Words (2019)
Character: Self
“The Great 14th: Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama In His Own Words", uniquely and exclusively features Tenzin Gyatso as both subject and narrator as he presents the full arc of his epic and very public life as the 14th Dalai Lama. Based on intimate conversations, it's a portrait both profound and inspiring.
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Karmapa - Two Ways of Divinity (1998)
Character: N/A
The main characters of the film are two small boys who share the throne of Karmapa, the highest office of one of Tibetan Buddhism's main sects and the third in line after the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. As with the Dalai Lama, Karmapa is the same soul which reincarnates in each successor to the office, who is identified by omens, portents and other signs. The Karmapa line actually pre-dates the Dalai Lama's, and their respective importance has alternated in the course of history with either the Karmapa or Dalai Lama holding precedence. Only one of the current Karmapas lives in Tibet, who is recognized by the Dalai Lama but controlled by the Chinese government for political ends. The second Karmapa lives in New Delhi, India and was selected by a Tibetan group in exile. The film was shot in India, Nepal and Tibet and features the Dalai Lama as narrator, providing an incisive spiritual and political view of occupied Tibet.
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Dalai Lama: Discourse on the Heart Sutra (2004)
Character: Self
The Heart Sutra is the shortest and the most popular sutra in Buddhism and is regarded as a summation of the wisdom of Buddha. It expresses perfectly the insight attained by non-attachment, the doctrine of emptiness. In Buddhism, reciting Buddha-name and sutra has great merit and virtues and it is one of the effective ways in the cultivation of the Buddhist Way. The Heart Sutra reveals the entire secret of truth of the universe and life. Many Buddhists around the world recite The Heart Sutra daily. Although some may have incredible responses and benefits from it, they may not really and fully understand what it is.
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Monte Grande: What is Life? (2005)
Character: Self
Documentary account of a man’s life in the face of imminent death – Francisco Varela's story told affectionately and gently, touchingly and astutely. Varela spent his life building bridges: between Western science and Eastern wisdom, neurobiology and philosophy, abstract theory and practical life. This film seeks to deconstructs the prevailing division between science and art.
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Amala (2022)
Character: Self
Amala tells the story of the Dalai Lama’s younger sister Jetsun Pema, her struggles, loss and success that earned her the epithet Amala or ‘mother’. Using rare footage from her historic visit to Tibet in 1980, the film also gives insight on the state of education inside Tibet. After her sister died, she took charge of the Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children in a small town in northern India. Under her leadership, the nursery transformed into one of the most successful Tibetan refugee schools – the Tibetan Children’s Village schools (TCV).
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Francisco Cisco Pancho (2011)
Character: Self
AUTOBIOGRAPHY: The personal history of Francisco Varela as told by him on his veranda in Monte Grande, Chile, on February 17, 2001 when he was already greatly weakened by chemotherapy but still extremely present and awake, three months before he died on May 28, 2001. As very few before him have done, Francisco Varela attained levels of accomplishment in Western science as well as in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. ORAL ANTHOLOGY: Individual interviews with Francisco Varela, Amy Cohen Varela, Bruno Latour, H.H. Dalai Lama, Tsoknyi Rinpoche; and poems by Francisco Varela, read by his father, Raúl Varela Rodríguez.
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The Art of Dissent (2021)
Character: Self - Subject (archive footage)
"The Art of Dissent" celebrates the resilience and power of artistic engagement in Czechoslovakia before and after the 1968 Soviet-led invasion. The documentary's main protagonists - Václav Havel, banned singer Marta Kubisová, and the underground rock group the Plastic People of the Universe (PPU) - became the most recognizable dissidents during the 1970-80s. Havel bridged the disparate clusters of individuals and fused the literary, musical, political, and philosophical nonviolent elements into a hybrid network that eventually toppled the totalitarian regime in 1989.
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Galahad of Everest (1991)
Character: Self
Brian Blessed plays George Mallory in this intrepid recreation of his ill fated 1924 climb to Everest. Meeting Sir Chris Bonington, Rheinhold Messnerhe learns of the pitfalls that await him before setting off for his epic struggle with the mountain. Against all odds he reaches 26000 feet on the North face of Everest, and is a changed man
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Tibet's Stolen Child (2001)
Character: Self
A film about the abduction of Tibet's second highest ranking Lama by the Chinese authorities.
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Nickyho rodina (2011)
Character: Self
Nicky's Family is a gripping documentary from the International Emmy Award winning producers Patrik Pass and Matej Minac about a rescue operation of the “British Schindler” - Sir Nicholas Winton who will celebrate this year 103rd birthday. His story has no parallel in modern history. Dramatic reenactments, some of the archive footage never seen before, rescued "children" together with Mr. Winton himself recount this unique story which even after 70 years continues to inspire people, especially children, to make this world a better place. World personalities His Holiness Dalai Lama and Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel also took part. ( - from the film's press kit)
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The Ring of the Buddha (2003)
Character: Self
Nepal 1950. A mysterious, unexplored country. The Swiss geologist Toni Hagen, was the first European to pass through the "forbidden" kingdom. He doesn't discover any mineral resources there. Yet he does uncover the mysteries of life and penetrates towards a more profound truth which lends a new dimension to his life. In the spring of 1999, Hagen returns to Nepal to keep a promise of almost 50 years: At that time a Buddhist monk had presented him with the gift of a valuable and mystical ring.
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Buddha Wild: Monk in a Hut (2008)
Character: Self
Buddhist monks open up about the joys and challenges of living out the precepts of the Buddha as a full-time vocation. Controversies swirling within modern monastic Buddhism are examined, from celibacy and the role of women to racism and concerns about the environment.
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Rad der Zeit (2003)
Character: Self
Wheel of Time is Werner Herzog's photographed look at the largest Buddhist ritual in Bodh Gaya, India.
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The Buddha (2010)
Character: Self
This documentary for PBS by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere, tells the story of the Buddha’s life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world’s greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha’s life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Join the conversation and learn more about meditation, the history of Buddhism, and how to incorporate the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and mindfulness into daily life.
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4:44 Last Day on Earth (2012)
Character: Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
A look at how a painter and a successful actor spend their last day together before the world comes to an end.
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The Invocation (2010)
Character: Self
An exploration of the notion of 'God' and World Peace through Religion, Spirituality, History, Science, Politics and Arts.
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10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (2006)
Character: Self
How do you reconcile a commitment to non-violence when faced with violence? Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose its traditions in order to move into the future? These are some of the questions posed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by filmmaker and explorer Rick Ray. Ray examines some of the fundamental questions of our time by weaving together observations from his own journeys throughout India and the Middle East, and the wisdom of an extraordinary spiritual leader. This is his story, as told and filmed by Rick Ray during a private visit to his monastery in Dharamsala, India over the course of several months. Also included is rare historical footage as well as footage supplied by individuals who at great personal risk, filmed with hidden cameras within Tibet.
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One Day on Earth (2012)
Character: Self
Recording a 24-hour period throughout every country in the world, we explore a greater diversity of perspectives than ever seen before on screen. We follow characters and events that evolve throughout the day, interspersed with expansive global montages that explore the progression of life from birth, to death, to birth again. In the end, despite unprecedented challenges and tragedies throughout the world, we are reminded that every day we are alive there is hope and a choice to see a better future together. Founded in 2008, it set out to explore our planet's identity and challenges in an attempt to answer the question: Who are we?
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Project Happiness (2011)
Character: Self
Happiness, I want more! From the alleys of Nigeria and the beaches of California to the mountains of India, ordinary young people lead us on an extraordinary journey to explore the nature of lasting happiness and end up starting a movement.
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Upper Story: On the Road to Well-Being (2020)
Character: Self
Today, over 10% of the global population suffers from mental health problems. This documentary reveals three decades of collaboration between Western scientists and Buddhist scholars. The meeting of their minds and scientific research reveals how mental training techniques can help us develop well-being, become more compassionate and ultimately improve the impact we have on our planet, and how humanity is much more deeply connected that we would ever think.
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Beastie Boys Story (2020)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former grandfather, Spike Jonze.
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King Charles III: The New Monarchy (2023)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Prince Charles was always destined to wear the crown. From the royal childhood in Buckingham Palace to his naval career and life as the Prince of Wales, he's had his successes and hardships. From a young prince to now the king, he's been a constant in the British royal family, hoping one day not only to wear the crown, but to usher the British royals into a new modern era as King Charles III.
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In Search of 'Kundun' with Martin Scorsese (1998)
Character: Self
In Search of Kundun, a “making-of” documentary that is so much more, follows Scorsese as he plans his epic film and shoots in Morocco, and continues on to an audience with the Dalai Lama himself in the foothills of the Himalayas. Edited from over a hundred hours of footage, the documentary captures Scorsese’s fervor as a filmmaker and a man, the modest yet charismatic Dalai Lama, and the plight of the exiled Tibetans. -Denver Film Society
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Unity (2015)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Despite the advent of science, literature, technology, philosophy, religion, and so on -- none of these has assuaged humankind from killing one another, the animals, and nature. UNITY is a film about why we can't seem to get along, even after thousands and thousands of years.
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Tibetan Warrior (2015)
Character: Self
The true story of one man's fight for freedom. For more than 60 years Tibetans have been fighting Chinese oppression. But their non-violent struggle appears to be in vain. Now, as a new form of peaceful protest, Tibetans are setting themselves on fire. Loten Namling - an exiled Tibetan and musician living in Switzerland - is deeply disturbed by such self-destructive action. So he sets off from Europe to India, on a one-man mission to meet top politicians, experts and young radicals. He himself becomes increasingly radical and is on the verge of violent protest. Finally he ends up at The Office of the Dalai Lama in India to seek the advice of the exiled Tibetan leader.
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Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (2010)
Character: Self
Brilliant Moon chronicles the life of the writer, poet, and meditation master Khyentse Rinpoche, one of Tibet's most revered 20th-century Buddhist teachers. Spiritual guide to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Royal Family of Bhutan, his life and teachings were an inspiration to all who encountered him. Richard Gere and Lou Reed provide the narration for his dangerous journey out of China, the subsequent spread of his influence and the search for his reincarnation after his death.
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But Beautiful (2019)
Character: N/A
In his new film, Erwin Wagenhofer is looking for the good and beautiful in this world.
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Flipside: A Journey Into the Afterlife (2012)
Character: Self
Award winning filmmaker Richard Martini examines the work of Michael Newton who pioneered deep hypnosis over 30 years; thousands of his patients claim the same information about the afterlife.
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Wisdom of Happiness (2024)
Character: Self
A deeply intimate and highly cinematic documentary featuring the Dalai Lama, who, at nearly ninety year of age, offers practical advice for navigating the 21st century's challenges.
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Women of K2 (2003)
Character: Self (archive footage)
On some peaks in 2003, the statistics are impressive. For the K2 dubbed "wild mountain" or "ruthless mountain", only 240 reached the summit and more than 60 perished in the ascent. An unimaginable rate of one death in four to survive. And these statistics are even worse At the start of the 2004 climbing season, only five talented and determined women had reached the 8,616-meter summit of K2, but only two made it out alive. , they too perished while climbing other peaks of 8000 meters, these five women all disappeared in the mountains.
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Infinite Potential: The Life & Ideas of David Bohm (2020)
Character: Self - 14th Dalai Lama
INFINITE POTENTIAL takes us on a mystical and scientific journey into the nature of life and reality with David Bohm, the man Einstein called his "spiritual son" and the Dalai Lama his "science guru." A physicist and explorer of Consciousness, Bohm turned to Eastern wisdom to develop groundbreaking insights into the profound interconnectedness of the Universe and our place within it.
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