Akong: A Remarkable Life (“Akong: an extraordinary life”)

Director: Chico Dall’Inha · Year: 2017 · Country: United Kingdom · Language: Tibetan · Genre: documentary · Duration: 96 minutes

Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism

Theme: the life of Akong Tulku Rinpoche

Synopsis: The documentary narrates the life of Akong Tulku Rinpoche, a prominent master of Tibetan Buddhism. He travels from his birth in Tibet to his pivotal role in establishing Samye Ling in the UK, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Europe. Through its history, its influence and legacy in the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the West is highlighted.

Back to filmography

A Zen Life: D.T. Suzuki

Director: Michael Goldberg · Year: 2006 · Country: the US · Language: English · Genre: documentary · Duration: 77 minutes

Tradition: Zen Buddhism

Theme: life and legacy of *Daisetsu *Teitaro Suzuki

Synopsis: The documentary explores the life and work of Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki, a prominent Japanese scholar who played a crucial role in the introduction of Zen into the Western world. Through interviews, archival material and comments from people who knew him, they examine his influence on Western thinkers and his contribution to the understanding of Zen.

Back to filmography

A walk of wisdom

Director: Victoria Holt · Year: 2004 · Country: the US · Language: English · Genre: documentary · Duration: 1 hour and 12 minutes

Tradition: Buddhism

Thematic: life and personal growth

Synopsis: This documentary is an exploration of life and personal growth through the teachings of Buddhism. By immersing themselves in Buddhist practices and principles, it invites viewers to reflect on their own personal and spiritual development. Through inspiring stories and ancestral wisdom, it is shown how Buddhist principles can serve as a guide to a better understanding of oneself and greater wisdom in everyday life.

*Head Picture By Tipawan Apiwanworarat – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76662996

Back to filmography

A Thousand Mothers 

Director: Kim Shelton · Year: 2017 · Country: Myanmar · Language: Burmese · Genre: documentary · Duration: 39 minutes

Tradition: Theravada Buddhism

Thematic: monastic life and spirituality

Synopsis: The documentary offers a close view of the daily life of Buddhist nuns in Sagaing, Myanmar. She explores her commitment to spiritual practice and community life in the monastery, highlighting the challenges and rewards they face in following the monastic path within Thetheravda tradition.

A Thousand Mothers
Back to filmography

Satya: A Prayer for the Enemy

Director: Ellen Bruno · Year: 1997 · Country: USA · Language: English

Genre: Documentary · Duration: 27 minutes · Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism

Themes: Non-violence, peaceful resistance, human rights struggle.

Synopsis: Through interviews and testimonies, the documentary highlights the dedication of Tibetan nuns to preserving their culture and spirituality.

BACK TO FILMOGRAPHY

A Geshema is Born

Director: Malati Rao · Year: 2019 · Country: India · Language: English

Genre: Documentary
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism

Theme: Graduation of the first women to receive the geshema degree in Tibetan Buddhism.

Synopsis: This documentary tells the inspiring journey of a group of Tibetan nuns who achieve the geshema degree, an academic recognition equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist studies. The film explores how this achievement impacts the hierarchical structure of Tibetan Buddhism and promotes gender equality within this religious tradition.

Back to filmography