Dalai Lama – Ocean of Wisdom

Description

Screening of the new film and discussion with director Viliam Poltikovič The feature documentary was created on the occasion of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and offers a unique perspective on his life, thoughts, and personality through unique archival footage filmed between 1991 and 2022. The film connects personal, intimate moments from the Dalai Lama's private life with his most significant life stances and messages for the contemporary world. In addition to public appearances and lectures, viewers will see exceptional footage from his exile residence in Dharamsala, India – for example, during meditation, exercise, working with tools, or informal meetings with people. The film also presents the life story of the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso – from childhood through forced exile to his role as one of the most significant global figures today and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. A strong component of the film is the Dalai Lama's reflections on the meaning of life, happiness, inner peace, compassion, human relationships, and how to face today's world full of stress, conflicts, and uncertainty. The film opens themes of working with emotions, the importance of empathy, interpersonal tolerance, education, and the importance of dialogue instead of violence. In addition to the portrait of the Dalai Lama, the film offers an exceptionally powerful visual journey through Tibet. Viewers will see unique footage of the Tibetan landscape, monasteries, festivals, rituals, and the authentic life of Tibetans, filmed during several expeditions across Tibet. It also includes shamanic celebrations in eastern Tibet that are almost unknown to the public. The creation of this footage was often associated with extremely challenging conditions. Filming took place in remote areas at high altitudes and in regions that foreign crews access only rarely. Thanks to the author's long-standing personal relationship with Tibet and repeated travels, it was possible to capture places, rituals, and situations that are usually inaccessible to ordinary visitors and filmmakers. The result is unique visual material created over more than three decades. The film is structured as an inspiring, humanly accessible, and visually powerful documentary that appeals not only to those interested in Tibet and Buddhism but also to a broader audience seeking themes of inner balance, humanity, and hope in today's world.