What do Hollywood hunk Richard Gere and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama have in common? In a new film, they both want to tell you how to finally be happy
The 90-minute Swiss-produced film The Wisdom of Happiness will offer domestic cinemas a new perspective on the Dalai Lama's reflections, haunting images of our planet and recently discovered archival footage. This unique feature-length documentary captures the Dalai Lama for the first time in a very intimate connection with the viewer. A direct look into the eyes and timeless wisdom of one of the world's most famous personalities, who has followed events from the throne of Tibetan Buddhism for nearly ninety years, the film is a collaboration between a number of prominent filmmakers. The filmmakers, including the Dalai Lama's long-time student, actor and producer Richard Gere, will offer an unforgettable cinematic and meditative experience in cinemas across the country from 15 May.
"When I saw a rough cut of The Wisdom of Happiness, it was clear that this was extraordinary material. It was expansive, understandable to all, but at the same time it was a very personal cinematic experience. I had never seen footage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama sharing his view of the world with his eyes fixed directly on the camera. It was amazing," says the film's executive producer Richard Gere.
The Wisdom of Happiness is not only a film, but above all the legacy and message of a man who was born into a peasant family in northern Tibet and was chosen at an early age to sit on the throne of Tibetan Buddhism. From the age of four, he came to the attention of the whole world. Throughout his long life - he turns 90 this July - this Nobel Peace Prize winner has sought a quiet and non-violent spiritual revolution. The film recalls, among other things, through unique footage, the brutal invasion of Tibet by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the 1950s. These events prompted the Dalai Lama's decision to go into exile in the Indian mountain town of Dharamsala, where more than 150,000 other refugees followed him.
The film also touches on the state of our planet. The Dalai Lama's words are set against a backdrop of poignant images of the world, revealing not only its beauty but also the pitfalls of a world greatly affected by human activity. In The Wisdom of Happiness, the Dalai Lama describes the small steps that each of us can take to develop our consciousness in a way that transcends the spirit of the times and current political currents.With the Dalai Lama's open mind and disarming wit, The Wisdom of Happiness offers a timely guide to health and happiness amidst the challenges of the 21st century. "Take a deep breath, live now, live in the present!" says the Dalai Lama in the trailer for the film.
In addition to the directing duo of Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquise and producer Richard Gere, the world-renowned photographer and cinematographer Manuel Bauer, who has worked with the Dalai Lama for many years, and Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Emmy Award-winning director Oren Moverman also contributed to the making of the feature-length documentary. CinemArt is distributing the film in the Czech Republic.
Dalai LamaPhoto: Manuel Bauer – Agentur Focus / se svolením
