BUDDHISTDOOR IN ENGLISH
You can read the second part of this filmography here.
Title: "Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei
Director: Michael Yorke
Year: 1992
Country: U.K./Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: documentary
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Tendai Buddhism
Themes: spiritual discipline, perseverance, faith.
Synopsis: The film depicts the ascetic and challenging world of the marathon monks of Mount Hiei. These monks belong to the Tendai Buddhist tradition and are known for their rigorous kaihōgyō, a spiritual challenge that involves, as in the case of the protagonist Tanno Kakudo, running marathon distances for 1000 days over seven years in the sacred mountains as part of their spiritual practice.
Title: Meditate and Destroy
Director: Sarah Fisher
Year: 2007
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 1h 21minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Personal transformation, spirituality, youth.
Synopsis: This documentary tells the transformative story of Noah Levine, son of renowned Buddhist author Stephen Levine. Noah grew up in an environment marked by addictions and violence, leading him to a turbulent youth. However, his life takes a radical turn when he discovers and embraces Buddhist teachings and the practice of meditation. The film explores how Noah finds a path to redemption through Buddhism, and how he uses his experience to help other young people in similar situations, fusing spirituality with contemporary youth culture.
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Title: Milarepa ("Milarepa")
Director: Neten Chokling
Year: 2006
Country: Bhutan
Language: dzongkha
Genre: biography
Duration: 90 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Themes: Buddhism, karma, redemption and spiritual path.
Synopsis: Film biopic chronicling the life of Milarepa, one of Tibet's most famous yogis and an important poet and saint in Tibetan Buddhism. The film focuses on Milarepa's early life, including his quest for revenge, his repentance and his eventual path to enlightenment under the guidance of his teacher Marpa.
Title: Mindful Living Every Day: Practicing in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hahn.
Director: David Nelson
Year: 2009
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 39 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism, specifically in the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Theme: The film explores the practice of mindfulness in daily life, following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. It focuses on how to incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities to achieve a more conscious and fulfilling life.
Synopsis: The documentary focuses on the practice of mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Through interviews, speeches and guided practices, viewers are introduced to techniques and philosophies that promote inner peace, mindfulness and connection to the present moment.
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Title: "Monk Comes Down the Mountain
Director: Chen Kaige
Year: 2015
Country: China
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Genre: film, action.
Length: 123 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Thematic: Although the film incorporates elements of Buddhism, it focuses more on martial arts and the philosophies associated with them.
Synopsis: The film follows the story of a young monk who, due to food shortages in his monastery, is forced to embark on a journey to the outside world. Along the way, he faces a series of challenges and adventures that lead him to question his beliefs and abilities. As he encounters diverse characters, from martial arts masters to corrupt figures, the monk learns valuable lessons about life, love and spirituality.
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Title: "Monk with a Camera
Director: Guido Santi, Tina Mascara
Year: 2014
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 90 minutes
Theme: The documentary explores themes of spirituality, personal transformation, and the balance between monastic life and the modern world.
Synopsis: Tells the fascinating story of Nicholas Vreeland, grandson of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who left behind a life of privilege to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk. The documentary follows his journey from his childhood in an upscale environment to his decision to be ordained as a monk, exploring how Vreeland combines his passion for photography with his monastic life. Through interviews, archival footage and scenes from his daily life, the documentary offers a profound reflection on the meaning of life, material detachment and the search for inner peace.
Title: Monte Grande: What Is Life?
Director: Franz Reichle
Year: 2004
Country: Switzerland
Language: German
Genre: documentary
Duration: 80 minutes
Tradition: philosophy
Subject matter: Science, spirituality, philosophy.
Synopsis: This documentary explores the life and thought of renowned Chilean scientist and philosopher Francisco Varela. Varela was an influential biologist and neuroscientist, known for his contributions to systems theory and phenomenology. The documentary offers an in-depth look at his interdisciplinary approach, integrating science, philosophy and spirituality.
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Title: My Buddha is Punk ("Mi Buda es Punk")
Director: Andreas Hartmann
Year: 2015
Country: Germany
Language: German
Genre: documentary
Duration: 90 minutes
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Subject matter: Punk music, Buddhism, youth activism, Burma/Myanmar.
Synopsis: This documentary follows the life of Kyaw Kyaw, a young Burmese man who finds in punk music a form of escape and rebellion. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, Kyaw Kyaw uses his music and activism to fight for freedom and social justice. Throughout the film, the tensions between Buddhist tradition and punk culture are explored, highlighting how Kyaw Kyaw attempts to reconcile these two seemingly opposing influences in his life.
Title: My Soul Drifts Light Upon a Sea of Trees
Director: Heinrich Dahms
Year: 2018
Country: Germany
Language: German
Genre: documentary
Duration: 80 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: Spirituality, nature, meditation, contemplative life.
Synopsis: The film explores the contemplative life of Buddhist practitioners in Aokigahara Forest, Japan. Through stunning images and interviews, it shows how these individuals find peace and purpose in their connection with nature, addressing themes of spirituality, life and death. The documentary invites reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural environment, highlighting the transformative power of meditation and the serenity of the forest.
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Title: Next Generation ("Próxima Generación")
Director: Adam Bhala Lough
Year: 2017
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: Documentary
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: Youth, spirituality, contemporary culture.
Synopsis: Examines how young Americans adopt and adapt Buddhist teachings in their daily lives. Through interviews and observations, explores the integration of practices such as meditation and mindfulness into a modern culture dominated by technology, highlighting challenges and triumphs of balancing spirituality with contemporary demands.
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Title: Nichiren ("Nichiren")
Director: [Information not available].
Year: 1979
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: biography
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Nichiren Buddhism
Subject matter: History, religion, philosophy.
Synopsis: This biographical film chronicles the life of Nichiren Daishonin, a 13th century Japanese Buddhist monk known for his fervent defense of the Lotus Sutra. The film follows his tireless struggle to reform the Buddhist practices of his time, facing persecution and exile because of his beliefs. It highlights his courage and conviction in the pursuit of truth and justice, offering an inspiring insight into his legacy and his lasting impact on Japanese Buddhism.
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Title: Old Plum Mountain: The Berkeley Zen Center Life Inside the Gate
Director: Edwin Herzog
Year: 2011
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Themes: Community, spirituality, Zen practice.
Synopsis: The documentary offers an intimate look at the Berkeley Zen Center, a community dedicated to the practice of Zen Buddhism in California. Through interviews and observations, the film explores daily life within the center, highlighting the teachings and practices that guide its members in their quest for enlightenment. The documentary captures the essence of Zen community life, showing how meditation, working together and spiritual teaching intertwine to create a space of peace and self-discovery.
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Title: One Mind
Director: Edward A. Burger
Year: 2019
Country: China
Language: Chinese
Genre: documentary
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Themes: Meditation, monastic life, spirituality.
Synopsis: It is a documentary that offers a deep insight into the monastic life in a Zen monastery in China. The film captures the essence of Zen practice through the silent observation of the monks' daily routine. Without narration or interviews, the film allows the images to speak for themselves, showing the discipline, meditation and communal work that define life in the monastery. It invites viewers to experience the calm and focus of Zen, offering a reflection on simplicity, mindfulness and the search for spiritual unity.
Title: Paths of the Soul
Director: Zhang Yang
Year: 2015
Country: China
Language: Tibetan
Genre: documentary
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Pilgrimage, spirituality, Tibetan culture.
Synopsis: The documentary follows the extraordinary journey of a group of Tibetan pilgrims as they trek over 1,200 kilometers on foot to Lhasa, the holy city of Tibet. Capturing every step of their arduous journey, the film offers an intimate look at their devotion and endurance as they prostrate themselves on the ground in reverence along the way. The documentary combines elements of fiction and reality to immerse viewers in the spiritual and communal experience of the pilgrims.
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Title: Peace is Every Step: Meditation in Action the Life and Work of Thich Nhat Hahn
Director: Gaetano Kazuo Maida
Year: 1997
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 60 minutes.
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: Meditation, peace, activism.
Synopsis: The documentary explores the life and teachings of revered Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. Through interviews, archival footage and personal accounts, it presents his approach to meditation as an active practice to foster inner and outer peace. The documentary highlights his role in the peace movement during the Vietnam War and his global influence in promoting mindfulness and compassion. It invites viewers to reflect on how meditation can transform lives and contribute to a more peaceful world.
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Title: "Preaching from Pictures: A Japanese Mandala
Director: David Plath
Year: 2003
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: documentary
Duration: 37 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject matter: Art, spirituality, culture.
Synopsis: This documentary considers the meaning and function of mandalas in the Japanese Buddhist tradition. The film delves into the use of these complex works of art as tools for spiritual teaching and meditation. Through interviews with experts and visits to temples, the documentary reveals how mandalas serve as visual maps of the Buddhist cosmos and guides for spiritual practice. It offers a fascinating insight into the intersection between art and religion, highlighting the beauty and depth of these symbolic images in Japanese culture.
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Title: Quick Sand: The Kalachakra Mandala ("Moving Sand: The Kalachakra Mandala")
Director: Jacob Wise.
Year: 2018
Country: India
Language: Tibetan
Genre: documentary
Duration: 16 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Subject: Art, spirituality, ritual.
Synopsis: Documentary exploring the creation of the Kalachakra mandala, a Tibetan spiritual practice. It follows monks crafting this complex sand mandala, symbolizing Buddhist cosmology and impermanence. Through images and interviews, the film reveals the spiritual and cultural significance of this tradition, emphasizing its role in the search for inner peace and universal harmony.
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Title: Rassvet/Zakat (Sunrise/Sunset)
Director: Vitaly Mansky
Year: 2008
Country: Russia
Language: Russian
Genre: documentary
Duration: [Not specified]
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Monastic life, spirituality, daily life.
Synopsis: This documentary offers a contemplative look at a day in the life of the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Taking an intimate and observational approach, the film follows the Dalai Lama's daily routine from dawn to dusk, showing his dedication to meditation, teachings and interactions with followers. Shot in a minimalist style, the documentary allows viewers to immerse themselves in the serenity and depth of his spiritual practice. "Sunrise/Sunset" is a reflection on the simplicity and wisdom in the life of one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders.
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Title: Samsara ("Samsara")
Director: Pan Nalin
Year: 2001
Country: India
Language: Ladakhi
Genre: film, drama
Length: 145 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Spirituality, desire, inner search.
Synopsis: This drama explores the inner struggle between earthly desire and the search for enlightenment. The film follows the story of Tashi, a Buddhist monk who, after years in solitary retreat in the Himalayas, returns to his monastery and finds himself caught between his monastic life and the outside world. As Tashi confronts his human desires and falls in love with a young peasant girl, he must decide between following the path of renunciation or embracing the worldly life.
Title: Sandcastles: Buddhism and Global Finance
Director: Alexander Oey
Year: 2005
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: [information not available]
Tradition: Tibetan nudism
Subject matter: Economics, ethics, spirituality.
Synopsis: This documentary considers the intersection between Buddhist principles and the world of global finance. Through interviews with economists, spiritual leaders and professionals in the financial sector, the film explores how Buddhist values of compassion, interdependence and detachment can offer a unique perspective on the workings of the global financial system.
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Title: Saving Mes Aynak ("Salvando Mes Aynak")
Director: Brent E. Huffman
Year: 2014
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: Documentary
Duration: [Information not available]
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject matter: Archaeology, cultural heritage, conflict.
Synopsis: This documentary chronicles the struggle to save Mes Aynak, an ancient Buddhist archaeological site in Afghanistan, threatened by a Chinese mining project. Through archaeologists and activists, the film explores efforts to preserve this ancient heritage in the face of economic and political pressures, raising questions about cultural protection in conflict zones.
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Title: "Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World
Director: Faris Kermani
Year: 2011
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 55 minutes.
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject matter: History, culture, spirituality.
Synopsis: This documentary takes viewers on a journey through seven of the world's most iconic and sacred Buddhist sites. From the ancient Mahabodhi temples in India to the Great Buddha statue in Hong Kong, the film explores places of great spiritual and historical significance. Through stunning footage and interviews with experts, it offers an in-depth look at Buddhist teachings, their evolution and their impact on modern society.
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Title: Seven Years in Tibet ("Seven years in Tibet")
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Year: 1997
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: film, drama
Length: 139 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Theme: Dalai Lama, Tibetan culture, personal transformation.
Synopsis: The film follows Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer played by Brad Pitt, who escapes from a British prison camp during World War II and arrives in Lhasa, Tibet. There, he develops a transformative friendship with the young Dalai Lama. Through this relationship, Harrer learns about Tibetan culture, experiences a profound personal change and confronts his own prejudices. The film explores culture shock and spiritual growth in the context of Tibet before the Chinese invasion.
