In a world increasingly marked by strife and uncertainty, the principles of Buddhism—compassion, impermanence, and mindfulness—are resonating more than ever.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement, “What the world needs today is ‘Buddh, not Yuddh (War),'” encapsulates the growing appeal of Buddhist teachings as a means to foster peace and understanding.
This sentiment was at the heart of the two-day Bodhipath Film Festival, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) held on March 10-11 in New Delhi. The event brought together filmmakers, scholars, and artists to explore Buddhism’s enduring relevance through cinema.
The festival drew an eclectic mix of attendees, including noted figures from the Indian film industry, monks, diplomats, and students. Among the prominent guests were actors Gagan Malik, Adil Hussain, and Chitranjan Tripathy, as well as playback singer Mohit Chauhan and acclaimed filmmaker Benoy K Behl.
Significantly, the festival’s opening day coincided with Tibet Uprising Day, adding deeper historical and political significance to the discussions. Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, underscored the role of cinema in not only entertaining audiences but also amplifying social causes.
The Director General of IBC, Mr. Abhijit Halder highlighted the importance of revisiting Buddhist teachings in contemporary times, especially as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday. He also pointed out how the Tibetan cause remains a crucial subject of discussion.
Over the course of two days, the festival screened 10 carefully curated films and documentaries, each shedding light on different aspects of Buddhism including Buddhist philosophy, history, and contemporary issues.
They included Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma in Asia, Geshe Ma Is Born, Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, Nalanda – A Journey Through Time, and The Cup. These films explored topics such as the evolution of Buddhist practices, the journey of Buddhist nuns earning the prestigious Geshe degree, and the legacy of Nalanda University. Among them, The Cup, a film about Tibetan refugees’ love for football, garnered the most attention and appreciation from the audience and speakers alike.
The festival also featured engaging panel discussions on the relevance of Buddhist films, the challenges of spiritual filmmaking, mindful communication, and the influence of artificial intelligence in storytelling. Special guest talks provided further insight into the complexities and possibilities of depicting Buddhist themes in cinema.
More than just a film festival, the Bodhipath event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, connecting filmmakers, scholars, and audiences in an effort to preserve and share Buddhist heritage. By using cinema as a tool to engage and educate, the festival reaffirmed the power of storytelling in keeping Buddhist teachings alive for future generations.
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