BUDDHISTDOOR IN ENGLISH
Film has emerged as a meaningful and eloquent medium for exploring and communicating the teachings of Buddhism, offering a rich perspective on this spiritual tradition. Since its inception, it has been a powerful tool for telling stories that capture the essence of Buddhism and its impact on world culture. The following selection of films, while not exhaustive, covers a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting the reach of the Buddhadharma in diverse cultures and its continuing relevance.
These cinematic works provide a detailed insight into the Buddhist tradition, exploring themes such as compassion, impermanence, meditation and the search for enlightenment. Through visual narratives, filmmakers have succeeded in adapting the ancient wisdom of the Buddha to contemporary contexts, making it accessible to global audiences. Films such as Little Buddha, Samsara and Milarepa demonstrate how cinema can be a vehicle for spiritual reflection and personal introspection. They not only entertain, but also invite viewers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhist spirituality and culture.
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Title: A Geshema Is Born ("A Geshema Is Born")
Director: Malati Rao
Year: 2019
Country: India
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Theme: Graduation of the first women geshema in Tibetan Buddhism.
Synopsis: This documentary chronicles the inspiring journey of a group of Tibetan nuns who achieve the degree of geshema, 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.
Title:Satya: A Prayer for the Enemy
Director: Ellen Bruno
Year: 1997
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 27 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Themes: nonviolence, peaceful resistance, struggle for human rights.
Synopsis: Through interviews and testimonies, the documentary highlights the dedication of Tibetan nuns to preserve their culture and spirituality.
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Title: A Thousand Mothers ("Mil madres")
Director: Kim Shelton
Year: 2017
Country: Myanmar
Language: Burmese
Genre: documentary
Duration: 39 minutes
Tradition: Theravāda Buddhism
Theme: monastic life and spirituality
Synopsis: The documentary offers an up-close look at the daily life of Buddhist nuns in Sagaing, Myanmar. It explores their commitment to spiritual practice and community life in the monastery, highlighting the challenges and rewards they face in following the monastic path within the theravāda tradition.
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Title: A Walk ofWisdom
Director: Victoria Holt
Year: 2004
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Life and personal growth
Synopsis: This documentary is an exploration of life and personal growth through the teachings of Buddhism. By diving into Buddhist practices and principles, it invites viewers to reflect on their own personal and spiritual development. Through inspiring stories and ancient wisdom, it shows how Buddhist principles can serve as a guide towards a better understanding of oneself and greater wisdom in everyday life.
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Title: A Zen Life: D.T. Suzuki ("AZen Life: D.T. Suzuki")
Director: Michael Goldberg
Year: 2006
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Length: 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 leading Japanese scholar who played a crucial role in introducing Zen to the Western world. Through interviews, archival footage and commentary from people who knew him, it examines his influence on Western thinkers and his contribution to the understanding of Zen.
Title: Akong: A Remarkable Life
Director: Chico Dall'Inha
Year: 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Language: Tibetan
Genre: documentary Akong's life
Tulku Rinpoche
Length: 96 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Theme: the life of Akong Tulku Rinpoche
Synopsis: The documentary chronicles the life of Akong Tulku Rinpoche, a leading Tibetan Buddhist teacher. It traces his journey from his birth in Tibet to his pivotal role in the establishment of Samye Ling in the UK, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Europe. Throughout his story, it highlights his influence and legacy in the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
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Title: AlexandraDavid-Neel: One Woman's Journey
Directors: Jeanne Mascolo de Filippis and others
Year: 1998
Country: France
Language: French
Genre: documentary
Duration: 52 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: life and travels of Alexandra David-Neel.
Synopsis: The documentary provides an overview of the life and travels of Alexandra David-Neel, a pioneer in the exploration of Tibet and other Asian regions. Through historical footage, interviews and analysis, the film highlights her impact on Western understanding of Asian culture and spirituality. Her legacy as an explorer and writer continues to influence interest in Buddhism and Eastern cultures.
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Title: Alms ("Alms")
Director: Qin Zhao
Year: 2015
Country: China
Language: Chinese
Genre: documentary
Length: 88 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism.
Subject: life of Buddhist monks and the practice of begging for alms
Synopsis: The film explores the lives of Buddhist hermits in the Zhongnan Mountains, who dedicate themselves to chan Buddhism in isolation. It reveals their motivations, challenges and the profound quest for enlightenment they undertake away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. This film provides a unique perspective on how these monks find meaning and inner peace through simplicity and devotion.
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Title: An Ocean to Cross
Director: Kei Kumai
Year: 1980
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: film
Length: 143 minutes
Tradition: Japanese Buddhism
Theme: Gan Jin's life and work
Synopsis: Tells the inspiring story of the Buddhist monk Gan Jin and his challenging journey to Japan during the Nara period. The film highlights his significant contribution to the introduction and expansion of Buddhism and Chinese culture in Japan. In addition to his impact on the country's religious and cultural history, the film explores his profound spiritual journey, offering a reflection on perseverance and cultural exchange.
Title: Angry Buddha ("AngryBuddha")
Director: Stefan Ludwig
Year: 2016
Country: Hungary
Language: Hungarian
Genre: documentary
Duration: 90 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject matter: Buddhism; Roma youth; social transformation
Synopsis: Follows a group of young Roma as they embark on both a spiritual and educational journey through the teachings of Buddhism. We see how these principles provide them with tools to deal with the discrimination and social challenges they face in their daily lives. Along the way, the young people seek to develop a sense of identity and purpose, drawing on Buddhist teachings to overcome obstacles and improve their lives.
Title: Angulimala (Angulimala")
Director: Sutape Tunnirut
Year: 2003
Country: Thailand
Language: Thai
Genre: film
Length: 105 minutes
Tradition: Theravada Buddhism
Themes: Theravada Buddhism, redemption, compassion and personal transformation.
Synopsis: Tells the story of a notorious bandit and murderer who transforms into a devout follower of the Buddha. The plot follows the personal transformation journey of Angulimala, whose name translates as "finger necklace" due to his habit of collecting the fingers of his victims. After a revelatory encounter with the Buddha, he undergoes a profound spiritual change and decides to become a monk.
Title: Autumn in the Himalayas ("Otoño en el Himalaya")
Director: Malgorzata Skiba
Year: 2008
Country: Poland
Original language: Polish
Duration: 50 minutes
Genre: documentary
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: impermanence, connection with nature and preservation of Buddhist traditions.
Synopsis: This documentary presents a reflective view of life in Buddhist monasteries located in the Himalayas during the autumn season. Using an observational approach, the director documents how nature in transformation intertwines with monastic life, highlighting daily rituals, meditation practices and the monks' connection with the local community.
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Title: Becoming Who I Was
Directors: Chang-Yong Moon and Jin Jeon
Year: 2016
Country: South Korea
Original language: Tibetan
Genre: documentary
Duration: not available
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Subject matter: Tibetan Buddhism, monastic life, reincarnation
Synopsis: The documentary follows the story of a boy in northern India who is recognized as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama. It explores his relationship with an elderly monk who guides him on his journey to his original monastery in Tibet. Through breathtaking landscapes and intimate moments, the documentary offers an in-depth look at Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the challenges of maintaining them in exile, highlighting themes of identity, human connection and spiritual quest.
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Title: Bhikkhunī - Buddhism Sri Lanka Revolution ("Bhikkhunī - BuddhismSri Lanka Revolution")
Director: Małgorzata Dobrowolska
Year: 2018
Country: Poland
Original language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: not available
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: Theravada Buddhism, female monastic life,
Synopsis: The documentary investigates the revival of the ordination of Buddhist nuns(bhikkhunis) in Sri Lanka, an innovative movement within Theravāda Buddhism. It shows the challenges and controversies associated with this shift in tradition, highlighting women's struggles to achieve equality. The documentary offers insight into how this revolution is transforming the landscape of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and its impact on society at large.
Title: Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason: Pema Chodron
Speaker: Bill Moyers
Year: 2006
Country: USA
Original language: English
Genre: documentary (series episode)
Duration: 60 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Subject: Pema Chödrön, suffering and wisdom, Buddhist teachings.
Synopsis: This episode of the documentary series "Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason" features an interview with Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist nun and teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and reason, focusing on how Buddhist concepts can help in dealing with life's challenges. Chodron discusses topics such as mindfulness, meditation, the nature of suffering and compassion, offering insights into how Buddhist teachings address fundamental human questions.
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Title: Blessings: The Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns of Tibet
Director/Producer: Pundarika Association
Year: 2009
Country: USA
Original language: English
Genre: documentary
Length: 87 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Subject: Tibetan Buddhism; female monasticism.
Synopsis: The documentary depicts the life and spiritual practices of the Tsoknyi Nangchen nuns in Eastern Tibet. It offers an intimate look at their daily routines, meditation practices and the challenges they face in their isolated environment. It highlights the nuns' dedication to their spiritual path and the empowerment they find through their religious practice, shedding light on the unique and often overlooked contributions of women in Tibetan Buddhism.
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Title: Bones of the Buddha
Director: David Ash.
Year: 2013
Country: United Kingdom
Original language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 60 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: relics, life of the Buddha, history
Synopsis: This documentary investigates the intriguing discovery of a stone chest by Peppé, which contained jewels, gold and urns, one of which could hold the ashes of the Buddha. It delves into the authenticity and significance of these finds, calling on experts in archaeology, history and Buddhism to unravel this enigma. Combining historical detective work with modern scientific analysis, the film offers a fascinating perspective on the historical life of the Buddha and the possible contemporary implications of this groundbreaking discovery.
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Title: Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche ("Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche")
Director: Neten Chokling
Year: 2010
Country: USA
Original language: Tibetan
Genre: documentary
Length: 58 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Theme: Life and legacy of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Synopsis: Celebrates the life and teachings of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, a leading 20th century master of Tibetan Buddhism. Narrated by Richard Gere and Lou Reed, the film uses archival footage, photographs and interviews with influential figures such as the Dalai Lama to offer an intimate insight into his life. It considers Rinpoche's legacy, highlighting his compassion and wisdom, and reflects on the transmission of spiritual knowledge in the context of Tibetan Buddhism.
Title: Buddha in Africa ("Buddha in Africa")
Director: Nicole Schafer
Year: 2019
Country: South Africa
Original language: English
Genre: documentary
Length: 93 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Buddhism in Africa
Synopsis: This is a documentary directed by Nicole Schafer that examines the cultural interaction between African traditions and Chinese Buddhist values in Malawi. The film follows Enock Alu, a young Malawian boy living in a Chinese Buddhist orphanage, as he tries to balance his African roots with the Buddhist education he receives. Through Enock's life, the documentary offers a unique insight into how Eastern philosophies are introduced and adapted in African contexts, addressing issues such as cultural preservation, identity and the impact of globalization.
Title: Buddha's Painter
Director: not specified
Year: 2004
Country: not specified
Original language: not specified
Genre: documentary
Duration: not specified
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: Buddhist art
Synopsis: This is a documentary that considers the world of Buddhist art and its spiritual significance, focusing on the life and work of a painter dedicated to creating traditional Buddhist thangkas. It explains the meticulous process of painting thangkas and the spiritual connection between the artist and his work. Through this artistic journey, the documentary examines themes of devotion, artistic expression and the preservation of cultural heritage within the Buddhist tradition, illustrating the intersection between art and spirituality in Buddhism.
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Title: Buddhist Nuns of Mount Emei
Director: Liang Bibo
Year: 1995
Country: China
Original language: Chinese
Genre: documentary
Duration: 31 minutes
Tradition: Chinese Buddhism, chan/zen
Subject: women's monastic Buddhism, women and Buddhism
Synopsis: "Buddhist Nuns of Mount Emei" depicts the spiritual practices, daily life and challenges faced by these nuns in their dedication to Buddhism. The film highlights their commitment to meditation, community service, while reflecting on the role of women in Buddhism and the preservation of traditions in a changing world.
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Title: Carving the Divine ("Esculpiendo lo divino")
Director: Yujiro Seki
Year: 2017
Country: Japan
Original language: Japanese
Genre: documentary
Duration: 54 minutes
Tradition: Japanese Buddhism
Subject: Japanese art
Synopsis: Through this documentary, we learn about the world of Buddhist statue carvers in Japan, a craft with 1400 years of history. It offers an insight into the process of creating these sacred statues, from the selection of wood to the final touches, showing masters and apprentices. Through interviews and scenes of daily work, the film addresses the relationship between Buddhism and contemporary Japanese society, the role of art in spirituality, and the challenges of keeping ancient traditions alive in a modern and increasingly secular Japan.
Title: Cave in the Snow with Tenzin Palmo ("Cavein the Snow withTenzin Palmo")
Director: Vicki Mackenzie
Year: 1999
Country: United Kingdom
Original language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 52 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Subject: Tenzin Palmo's life
Summary: This is a documentary about the extraordinary life of Tenzin Palmo, a British Buddhist nun who spent 12 years meditating in solitude in a Himalayan cave. Nl chronicles her spiritual journey from London to her retreat in the cave, offering an in-depth look at the practice of Tibetan Buddhism and the search for enlightenment. Through interviews and footage from the places where she lived, the film addresses issues such as the role of women in Buddhism and the tension between tradition and modernity in spiritual practice, presenting a unique insight into a life dedicated to Buddhist practice.
Title: Cherry Blossoms (Kirschblüten - Hanami)
Director: Doris Dörrie
Year: 2008
Country: Germany
Original language: German
Genre: drama
Length: 127 minutes
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Themes: transietority of life, zen philosophy.
Synopsis: This film tells the story of Rudi, a Bavarian man who, after the death of his wife Trudi, decides to travel to Japan. During his stay, Rudi delves into Japanese culture and the principles of Zen Buddhism, learning to appreciate the transience of life, symbolized by cherry blossoms. The film intertwines German and Japanese cultures, offering a profound reflection on mourning, self-discovery and the ephemeral beauty of existence, framed in the aesthetics and philosophy of Zen.
