FILMS AND VIEOS ON TIBET This list is maintained by A. Tom Grunfeld (TGRUNFELD@sescva.esc.edu). It was begun by Sonam Dargyay (SDHARGAY@UCS.indiana.edu) with additions from Brian C. Shaw (BCJSHAW@hkucc.hku.hk) and David Cherniack (DCHERNIACK@myna.com). The following represent a resource list of films and videos on Tibet. For more information about acquiring these films, contact the distributors directly. Office of Tibet Wisdom Publications Meridian Trust 241 E. 32nd St. 361 Newbury St. 330 Harrow Rd. New York, NY 10016 Boston. MA 02115 London W9 2HP (212) 213-5010 (617) 536-3358 01-289-5443 Mystic Fire Videos Snow Lion P.O. Box 422, Price Street Stat. P.O.Box 6483 New York, NY 10012 Ithaca, NY 14851 (212) 941-0999 (800)950-0313 Fax:(607)273-8508 The National Film and Television Archive at the British Film Institute (London) has films made by British diplomats in Tibet. These include films by F. M. Bailey, Charles Bell, Spencer Chapman, Basil Gould, James Guthrie, and George Sherriff. 1. "A Buddhist Monk--The Dalai Lama of Tibet: Eleven Days in England," Personal profile of His Holiness presenting him in his various roles as Buddhist teacher, international spokesman for peace and exiled leader of the Tibetan people. 1989.40 min. Wisdom Films. 2. "A Conversation with the Dalai Lama" ABC-TV Nightline, 13 September 1995. Interviewed by Ted Koppel. Approx. 22 min. 3. "A Guide to Walking Meditation" By Thich Nhat Hanh "Thich Nhat Hanh instructs a group of students in the joys of this simple practice. His underlying theme: Be happy, peaceful, and serene." 30 min. Snow Lion 4. "A Kind Heart" Traditional introduction to Buddhism given in London in 1982 by the Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche, debate partner and assistant tutor to the Dalai Lama. 60 min. color. Meridian Trust. 5. "A Refugee Story In India" Produced and distributed by the United States Information Agency. A high-ranking Buddhist monk Ngawang Thuthop, who has fled from Chinese persecution in Tibet, describes hardships under communism. A resume of the stand of Tibet's people against the communists and the flight of refugees into India is given. 1965 6. "A Song for Tibet" A co-production of Already Films, D.L.I. Productions by the National Film Board of Canada. "A Song for Tibet tells the dramatic story of the efforts by Tibetans-in-exile to save their homeland and preserve their heritage against overwhelming odds. Featured are two Canadian Tibetans, Thubten Samdup (Sam) and Dicki Chhoyang, two modern people with roots deeply planted in their ancestors' beliefs and tradition. Also prominent is the Dalai Lama, whose inspiring leadership in exile has never wavered from the Buddhist beliefs in non-violence." "Filmed in the Indian Himalayas and in Canada, A Song for Tibet is a beautifully photographed examination of one of the world's most ancient and benevolent cultures, whose future hangs in the balance." 56 min. VHS 7. "A Tibetan New Year" Documents the New Year celebrations carried out by the monks of the only Bonpo community outside of Tibet. 43 min. Wisdom Films. 8. "A Tribute to a Lama: Thubten Yeshe 1935-1984" Lama Yeshe was a major influence in the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism in the West and this short tribute includes excerpts from his teachings and some informal moments. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 9. "An Address to the Tibetan Community in Britain by His Holiness the Dalai Lama" London, April 1988. (Tibetan language only) 52 min. Wisdom Films. 10. "Ancient Futures: Learning From Ladakh" Produced by John Pope/International Society for Ecology and Culture. 1993. Details the effects of modernization on traditional life in Ladakh. Based on a book of the same title by Helena Norbert- Hodge, Sierra Club Books, 1991. VHS video 59 minutes The Video Project. 5332 College Avenue, Suite 101, Oakland, CA 94612. 11. "Arising from Flames: Overcoming Anger Through Patience" The Dalai Lama speaks of positive and negative desires and how through training we can reduce anger and hatred and increase love and forgiveness. 60 min. Mystic Fire Video $29.95 12. "Avalokitesvara: The Dalai Lama in Europe" Documentary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's tour of West Germany and Italy in 1982. 40 min. color. Meridian Trust. 13. "Beyond the Forbidden Border" B/W footage by C. Suydam Cutting on his expedition to Tibet in 1935-1937. Contains glimpses of traditional Tibetan life styles and represents some of the earliest motion picture footage of that country. Included in the film are the city of Lhasa, high government officials, Buddhist ceremonies and striking geographical features of the mountainous countryside. 30 mins. Newark Museum Telephone: (201) 596-6550 14. "Bhutan" Mission to Bhutan. 40 min. 15. "Bhutan: Land of Peaceful Dragon" Franz Lavi Films, Germany. 1975. 29 min. 16. "Bringing Buddhism to the West" A Dialogue with FPMT Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Answers questions concerning problems commonly faced by Western Buddhist centers. Lama Tsong Khapa Institute, Italy, 1982. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 17. "Buddha From Brooklyn" Producer: Denise Di Novi Currently in production. A "dramady" on the life of Jetsunma, a Jewish-Italian girl from New York, who discovers she is a tulku - a reincarnation of a 17th century saint - and goes on to finance her Maryland monastery with the proceeds of a hair-conditioning cap she invents and sells on TV commercials." (Newsweek, 19 May 1997) 18. "Buddhism in Focus" In a video editing studio, a child and a video editor embarks on a journey in sound and pictures which explores Buddhist experience and practice in Britain. (For ages 11 to 15) Meridian Trust/Buddhist Film and Video Archive/Wisdom Publications & PEP. Each video 35 min. Video One: "Buddha's Life and Teaching" contains dramatized explanations of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path and includes a visit to the London Buddhist Learning Center Co-operative. Video Two: "Buddhist View of Life" visits Theravadin, Tibetan and Western-style centers and investigates Buddhist ceremonies, practices in daily life and traditional ways of teaching. Buddhist Meditation Geshe Namgyal Wangchen, the resident teacher of Manjushri London Center, gives an explanation of the basic techniques involved in meditation, particularly focusing on the practice of samatha, or calm abiding. 19. "Buddhist Meditation" Geshe Namgyak Wangchen, the resident teacher of Manjushri London Center gives an explanation of the basic techniques involved in meditation, particularly focusing on the practice of samatha, or calm abiding. 60 min. color. Meridian Trust. 20. "Buddhist Philosophy" Extensive teachings given by the Dalai Lama over three days covering the whole scope of Buddhist philosophy. 10 hrs. color. Meridian Trust. 21. "Climbing Mount Everest" 1922 silent film made by Captain John Noel (film-maker, photographer, and entrepreneur) about the first expedition to attempt the climb of Mt. Everest. The film "...is less about climbing than the climber's encounter with Tibet...most of this film is an anthropological travelogue of Tibetan life." Can be seen at the National Film and Television Archive, British Film Institute, London. For a perceptive and informative discussion of this film and many other issues see Peter H. Hansen, "The Dancing Lamas of Everest: Cinema, Orientalism, and Anglo-Tibetan Relations in the 1920s," The American Historical Review 101:3 (June 1996): 712-747. 22. "Compassion in Exile" "Compassion in Exile is an intimate portrait of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, whose thirty-year nonviolent struggle on behalf of his people earned him the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize. It is also a moving look at the brutal treatment endured by the Tibetan people at the hands of the Communist Chinese, who since 1950 have sought to eradicate the Tibetans' culture and religion. Speaking with unprecedented candor, the Dalai Lama describes his upbringing and key moments in his life, while his countrymen bear witness to their personal ordeals. Featuring never-before-seen footage and beauty of Tibet, Compassion in Exile is at once a testament to the humility and gentle wisdom of a great spiritual leader and a heartfelt plea for the salvation of a people." 1992. 16mm color, 60 min. Produced by Lemle Pictures Inc. in association with Central Productions Ltd. UK. Distributed by Direct Cinema Limited, P.O. Box 10003, Santa Monica,CA 90410. Phone: (310) 396-4774 23. "Contribution of the Individual to World Peace" Coventry, U.K., 1984. 75 min. 24. "Cutting Down Tibet" Filmed clandestinely in southern Tibet (Kongpo) and Kham (Dawu) shows trucks from state-owned enterprises taken the logs toward Golmud, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. Filmed by "anonymous Tibetans who slept in the mountains and filmed from hiding places." Shown on BBC 2, May 1996. 25. "Daily Life in a Tibetan Bonpo Monastery" Unique look at the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet. 30 min. Wisdom Films. 26. "Dakini Wisdom" By Lama Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche "Understanding emptiness and dependent-arising is the key to experiencing the dakini wisdom and becoming a 'sky-goer.' 93 min. Snow Lion 27. "Dalai Lama" Produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Company for "Man Alive" 1980. This video features an extensive interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 1959 rare footage of his visit to Ganden monastery, the third largest monastery in Tibet, to take his final examination for the Geshe Lharampa degree (the Highest Order of Doctor of Divinity degree). 30 min. color. 3/4" Office of Tibet 28. "Dalai Lama Interview" Produced by Lesea Broadcasting T.V. in 1981. Set in the Buddhist Lamaist Monastery of America in Washington, N.J. His Holiness the Dalai Lama talks about Buddhism, the current situation in Tibet, Tibetan exile life and so forth. The interview was done during his 1981 visit to the United States. 50 min. color. 3/4" Office of Tibet 29. "Dalai Lama Interview" Produced by Lemra Associates in 1978. Features interviews with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and some footage of Tibetan exile communities in Dharamsala, India. 30 min. color. 3/4" Office of Tibet 30. "Dalai Lama USC" Filmed in 1979 during His Holiness's visit to the United States. The subject of his talk at the University of Southern California was "Bodhisattva Motivation: Giving and Taking" followed by questions and answers. 50 min. color. 3/4" Office of Tibet 31. "Death and Transference of Consciousness" Lama Thubten Yeshe explains the Buddhist view of death and the path that consciousness follows as it moves from one lifetime to the next. London, 1982. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 32. "Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth" Five lectures by Lama Thubten Yeshe giving an extensive explanation of the inner process of death and how it can be used in the path to enlightenment. Manjushri Institute, Cumbria Approx. 8 hrs. Wisdom Films. 33. "Debate in the Tibetan Tradition" Documentary on the practice of debate and logic in Buddhist education. India, 1985. 60 min. Wisdom Publications. 34. "Demons on the Roof of the World" Film by Hajo Bergman for the Discovery Channel. A New Age, superficial, touristy introduction to Tibetan religion from Bon to Buddhism. The filmmakers travel from Dharamsala to Derge to the Yarlung Valley to Samye Monastery to Tashilhunpo. At the latter site they film a religious ceremony which the narrator says included human sacrifices at one time. Approx. 22 mins. 35. "Destination Lhasa" Oracle Pictures, a subsidiary of ORACLE COMMUNICATIONS CORP, Los Angeles, CA. (310) 556-FILM, For internet email, awang19851@aol.com. A film about the Chinese military movement into Tibet between 1950-1953, captures the entire events, including battle scenes, troop movements, historical personalities, the U.S., British, Indian, and the U.N.'s actions on Tibet,etc., completely restored in the digital form. For the first time, this historical event is examined from sociopolitical, anthropological, and socioeconomic standpoints, complete with historical backdrops backed by our footage. This historical footage is obtained from the Chinese archives, through an exclusive arrangement, shot by field cameramen of the Chinese army. [written by the producer] 60 minutes 36. "Dharamsala" Produced by Mark Elliot. Home movie style. Prayer, recitation, children, Tibetan Medical Center, carpet factory, Tibetan Children's Village and more. 1984. Color. Office of Tibet. 37. "Dharamsala" (?) An Austrian TV production shown on Austrian TV 10 April 1996. The film "emphasized both the hardship experienced by the refugees and the success of the community in exile. It included several short interviews, inter alia with His Holiness and with Ama Adhe." Petra Seibert of SAVE TIBET 38. "Dharma: The Meaning of Existence Excellent" Excellent overview of the Buddhist path following the Nyingma categorization of the mineyanas or vehicles and explaining the meaning of the term "Dharma." Taught by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Rigpa. London, 1984. 165 min. color. 39. "Dixie Cups" Producer: Steven Segal A mindless Rambo-type film about the CIA aiding Tibetan rebels in the 1960s. Currently being planned. 40. "Dr. Tenzin Choedak: The Cancer and Aids: The View of Tibetan Medicine" 120 min. Wisdom Films. 41. "Dzogchen in Daily Behavior" Taught by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Although recognized as the pinnacle of the Buddhist teachings, the value of Dzogchen lies in its application to our daily activities such as eating and sleeping. 90 min. color. Meridian Trust. 42. "Dzogchen Teachings by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche" These videos are meant primarily for Dzogchen students and disciples of Rinpoche. Meridian Trust. 43. "Epic of Everest" 1924 silent film by Captain John Noel of the second Everest expedition. See the note above for "Climbing Mount Everest." 44. "Exile: The Dalai Lama and His People" Produced by Lemra Associates. Documentary on present-day life in Dharamsala, India. Features Tibetan settlements in South India and interviews with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Children's Village in Dharamsala. Narrated by William Conrad. 50 min. 3/4" Office of Tibet. 45. "Exploring the Mandala" By Pema Losang Chogyen "This dynamic computer-stimulated exploration of a three- dimensional mandala represents a unique collaboration between ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhist meditation and state-of- the-art computer graphics technology. Pema Losang Chogyen, a Tibetan monk from Namgyal Monastery and researchers at Cornell University's program of Computer Graphics worked for more than 2 years to produce this unique video." 10 min. Snow Lion 46. "Extracting the Essence" Two dynamic interviews with Lama Thubten Yeshe in which he explains how to integrate Buddhism into the Western way of life, and then talks about the development of the FPMT Dharma centers. Lama Tsong Khapa Institute, Pomaia, Italy, 1985. 165 min. Wisdom Films. 47. "Five Rites of Rejuvenation" "The five rites of rejuvenation utilizes simple movements and visualizations to activate and balance the energy flow in the body. These are the movements described in the books; "The Five Tibetans," and "Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth." 30 min. Snow Lion 48. "Forbidden Land" Produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Company, 1982. This production features the highlights of the three fact-finding delegations' visits to Tibet and the overwhelming reception given to them by the Tibetan people despite restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities. It also features a brief interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 30 min. color. 3/4" Office of Tibet 49. "General Assembly of Tibetans in Exile" Dharamsala, 1985. 60 min. Wisdom Publications. (In Tibetan) 50. "Generating Wisdom: The Practice of Manjushri for Children. His Holiness teaches refugee children in Dharamsala, India, explaining how reciting the wisdom mantra of Manjushri can help them develop understanding and intelligence. 90 min. color. (In Tibetan) 51. "Geshe Lhundrub Sopa: My Life East and West" Renowned for his deep understanding of Madhyamika, Geshe Lhundrub Sopa has been living in America since the mid-1960's. He is a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Manjushri London Centre, 1984. 60 min. Meridian Trust. 52. "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" By H.H. the Dalai Lama Eight video tapes averaging two hours each. Teaching about the practice of patience in Tucson in 1993. It is a detailed commentary of Shantideva's classic work which focuses on the practices of bodhisattvas. Each session concludes with a 1 hour question and answer period. 16 hours. Snow Lion 53. "Healing Oracles of Ladakh" By Elan Golomb "We are beginning to realize that Western concepts of health and disease are not universally recognized as effective in promoting and maintaining well-being. This video candidly shows native Ladakhi medicine women treating patients. They go into trance and healing oracles speak through them." 28 min. Snow Lion 54. "Heart of Tibet" Produced by Martin Wassell; written and directed by David Cherniack. Introduced by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, this program offers an intimate portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Exclusive 24-hour access over three weeks provided a variety of rare contemporary footage of His Holiness as a simple Buddhist monk starting his day at 4 a.m., a world statesman addressing an international press conference and a tantric master performing the religious ceremony, Kalachakra in Los Angeles in 1989. A compassionate man dealing with complex ideas, the Nobel Peace Laureate discusses the importance of the human heart.The film includes a chronological portrayal beginning in 1959 of the Tibetan struggle. 59 min. color. $29.95 Mystic Fire Video 55. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama" An interview by Jonathan Landaw. His Holiness speaks about his role and responsibility as a Dalai Lama and gives advice on how to conduct oneself in the modern world. 30 min. Wisdom Films. 56. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama in England 1988" Documentary presenting a more personal profile of the Dalai Lama during his visit to England in 1988. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 57. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Europe" A 40 minute documentary overview of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 1986 visit to the cities of Bonn, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Digne and Paris. Meridian Trust. 40 min. color. 58. "Home to Tibet: The Story of Sonam Lama's Return to his Homeland" A film by Alan Dater and Lisa Merton. "Home to Tibet documents the return of the Tibetan stone mason, Sonam Lama, to his homeland for the first time since his escape twelve years ago. His sister had asked that he return in order that she might prepare her mind for old age and death. Despite the fact that Sonam has become an American citizen, returning to Tibet is dangerous for him. He first pilgrimages in India where he meets the Dalai Lama and goes to Nepal where he seeks the blessing and advice of lamas there. This is the best film to watch if you want an intimate experience of what it is like for Tibetans to travel to Tibet and feel the many conflicting forces at play in the minds and hearts of the Tibetan people - very insightful." [Snow Lion Newsletter, Winter 1996] 55 min. Snow Lion 59. "Horse Thief" Directed by Tian Zhuang Zhuang; produced by Xi'an Film Studios, 1986. "It's the story of Norbu, ostracized by his community for stealing horses, and so forced into further crime in order to survive. There's hardly any dialogue, but what makes it so absorbing is the stream of stunning widescreen images, from old Tibetan favorites like yaks and those long, booming pipes, to scenes of mesmerizing, arcane rituals--valley coated in swirling scrapes of paper, sheep being buried alive, row upon row of flicking candles. And their dreamlike effect is enhanced by an ethereal sound track of tickling bells, gongs, synthesizers and unearthly voices." (John Wrathall, The Good Times, London). With English sub-titles. 98 min. 60. "In Exile From the Roof of the World" A film by David Cherniack Films for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's "Man Alive" series. Made in the Winter of 1984, this film is a long interview with the Dalai Lama as he visited the Mongolian Monastery of America. 61. "Inauguration of the Tibetan Women's Association" Dharamsala, India, 1984. 60 min. Wisdom Publications. (In Tibetan) 62. "Into the Heart of Asia" Directed by Brian Bresford; produced by Sean Jones. A Buddhist pilgrimage to Central Asia records a fascinating journey along the Silk Route, to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasrovar and the ancient capital of Tsaparang. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 63. "Introduction to Buddhist Psychotherapy" Dr. Lobsang Rapgay explores the parallels between the Western and Tibetan approaches to psychotherapy. 4 hrs. Wisdom Films. 64. "Journey to a Lost World Land and Culture of Tibet" Early photos, paintings, objects from the Newark Museum--Oriental Collection. Newark Museum 65. "Kailash: The Sacred Mountain" Directed by Brian Beresford, produced by Sean Jones. Unique documentary of a pilgrimage to the holiest mountain in Asia. 90 min. Wisdom Films. 66. "Kalachakra 1974" Directed by Dirk Duman. Captures the Kalachakra initiation held in Bodh Gaya, India in 1974. 60 min. Wisdom Film. 67. "Kalachakra: Creating the Sacred Space" Covers the elaborate preparation of the sand mandala presided over by the Dalai Lama for the Kalachakra initiation. Rikon, Switzerland, 1985. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 68. "Kalachakra, The Wheel of Time" Bearfoot Productions "Watching the creation of the Kalachakra sand mandala is one of the most beautiful and fascination experiences. Four monks from Namgyal Monastery performed this ritual at the Douglas Hyde Gallery in Trinity College, Ireland...you will also see the monks perform some of the dancing and chanting of the Kalachakra ritual." 30 min. Snow Lion 69. "Karmapa: The Thangka Ceremony" Presented by Tsurphu Foundation. Produced by Ward Holmes. "In May 1994 members of the Tsurphu Foundation joined H.H. the XVII Karmapa and the monks of Tsurphu Monastery for the first unveiling of the new silk applique thangka - one of the largest in the world. Measuring 60' by 100' it was reconstructed in the traditional style designed by the 9th Karmapa. The old thangka was destroyed during the cultural revolution. There are wonderful segments of the new Karmapa and the unveiling ceremony." [Snow Lion Newsletter, Winter 1996] 30 min. Snow Lion 70. "Khensur Pema Gayltsen: My Life in Brief" Khensur Pema Gyaltsen, former abbot of Drepung monastery recounts some of his life story. Translated by Geshe Namgyal Wangchen. Lam Rim Centre, Wales, 1984. 45 min. Meridian Trust 71. "Kingdom of the Lost Boy" Produced by Juniper Productions for the BBC Narrated by Joanna Lumley "Featuring extraordinary archival material of the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the rituals involved in the selection of the Panchen Lama and interviews with the Dalai Lama. This 75 minute special asks whether the Chinese have finally won the battle of beliefs and questions the significance this decision will hold for the future of Tibet." Tibetan Review 75 minutes 72. "Kundun" Written by Melissa Mathison. A Hollywood big-bucks production currently being filmed. Mathison (screenwriter of, among other films, "E.T.") is Harrison Ford's wife. Martin Scorcese is also involved. The title is from the Dalai lama's childhood nickname and the film is about his life. The Dalai Lama has said, "I have read Melissa Mathison's script. It is very good, It is very moving. Those people have been very supportive and sympathetic." 73. "Kyabje Zong Rinpoche: Tribute to a Master Practitioner, 1904-1984" Tribute covering the UK tour of 1984 and showing Rinpoche at his home in South India and his cremation in India. Approx. 60 min. Meridian Trust. 74. "Ladakh: In Harmony with the Spirit" "A portrait of a Tantric Buddhist Shangri-la--part documentary and part re-enactment, that suggests what rural life neighboring Tibet would be like without Chinese occupation. Nestled high in the Himalaya, Ladakh has been isolated from the pressures of the modern world until the mid-seventies and retains centuries-old customs and costumes. To live amongst the energies of gods demons, the villagers rely on both Geshes--a scholarly monk, and the shaman--a religious hermit". (Mystic Fire Video, Summer Catalog, 1994) 86 min. Mystic Fire Video $29.95 75. "Ladakh. Kingdom in The Clouds" (I saw this film listed in the newspaper scheduled for a program called "Nature." However, at the allotted time it wasn't on so I don't have any information about it. ATG) 76. "Larry King Live" CNN, Atlanta, Georgia CNN program shown 22 April 1997. First 30 minutes with the Dalai Lama and last half-hour with Richard Gere and Congressman Tom Lantos. Usual Larry King superficial questions such as "what is it like to lead a celibate life?" 60 minutes with commercials, about 50 minutes without. 77. "Lhasa 1986: The Forbidden City Opens Its Doors" Includes scenes shot at the Potala, the Jokhang, Gyurme Tantric College, and at a sky burial site near Sera monastery. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 78. "Life, Death, Dreams and Meditation: Bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism" By Ven. Lama Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche "The six bardos include this life, the moment of death, the dawning of true reality, the passing towards rebirth, dreaming and meditation. These experiences are filled with the potential for confusion, bewilderment and unskillfulness, as well as for realizing profound wisdom and all embracing compassion." 115 min. Snow Lion 79. "Life in Relation to death" By Lama Chogdud Tulku Rinpoche "Death is life's most overwhelming event. How we meet it - terrified and helpless, or with confidence and spiritual mastery - is within our power. Rinpoche's insights into the psychology and physiology of dying and the transition of death are a valuable aid for understanding ourselves and becoming more effective when working with others." 2 hours. Snow Lion 80. "Life in the Tibetan Community in Dharamsala" This hill station in the Himalayan foothills is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. India, 1985. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 81. "Little Buddha" Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, 1993 A big budget Hollywood movie about a boy in Seattle who is identified as a high-ranking reincarnation and goes to Bhutan to fulfill his fate. Starring Keanu Reeve, Chris Isaak, Bridgit Fonda and Wang Ruoshang. The New York Times calls it a "grand, gorgeous folly." 150 minutes 82. "Lord of the Dance: Destroyer of Illusion" Internationally acclaimed film taking us to two Buddhist monasteries in the Mount Everest region of Nepal, focusing on the Mani Rimduritual conducted by Trulshig Rinpoche. 108 min. color. Wisdom Publications. 83. "Lost Horizons" Produced by Rudy Bednar. ABC-TV presentation on "Primetime Live," 11 July 1991. Reported by John Quinones. A very slick piece of ant-Chinese propaganda with mis-represented films and disingenuous narration. Approx. 15 min. 84. "Lung Ta: The Forgotten Tibet" Marie Jaoul de Poncheville/ Franz-Christoph Gierke/France/1990 A response to contemporary Tibet, Lung Ta captures the beauty of the country and its fragile condition. A hit in France. Lung Ta is a highly personal and moving depiction of the country, its culture and people. Narrated by Richard Gere. 86 min. 85. "Mahamudra" By Kalu Rinpoche "As the highest goal and practice of the Kagyu tradition, Mahamudra is a teaching on Sunyata (voidness) which leads to the realization of the Dharmakaya or Primordial Mind. In 1986, the Venerable Kalu Rinpoche gave his lecture in San Francisco. This was the last teaching of Kalu Rinpoche that was filmed." Snow Lion 86. "Mandala: World of the Mystic Circle" Produced by Martin McGee and Cathy Steffan. "Mandala: World of the Mystic Circle fully captures all creation and ceremonial dismantling of the sacred Kalachakra sand mandala by four Tibetan monks of the Namgyal Monastery during August 1991 at the Buffalo Museum of Science, following the process from his first chalk lines drawn to the final ritual pouring of the sand into the river at Niagara fall." "Interviews provide the viewer with a fuller understanding of the diverse physical and metaphysical structures and meanings associated with mandalas." 50 min. color. 87. "Masters of the Roof of the World" Chinese made film presenting their view of the Tibetan situation and which includes Ngabo Ngawang Jigme describing Tibetan feudalism. 30 mins. No date, English narration. 88. "Meditation Crystallized" Produced by Irving and Ida Hartley. Explores the nature and function of Tibetan Buddhist art. 13 min. color. 16 mm. Hartley Film Foundation, 1973. 89. "Missing Soul Boy" An Ann Daniel Production, Directed by Greg Cooke This is a 5-6 minute feature from a program called "Sightings" on the Sci-Fi Channel. The program seems to be about the para-normal, alien landings, etc. This feature is about the controversy over the new Panchen Lama(s) and includes an interview with journalist Alex Shoumatoff. There is talk about flying monks and monks who can "dematerialize in front of their enemies." Full of historical inaccuracies. Paramount TV (1-800-591-3344) 90. "Mustang: The Hidden Kingdom" Directed by Tony Miller. The voyage of Khamtruel Rinpoche from Dharamsala to Mustang as the official representative of the Dalai lama. Narrated by Harrison Ford. Discovery Productions and Intrepid Films, 1994. Approx. 80 min. Can be purchased from 1-800-993-5577 for $24.95. 91. "Nadia Stepanova; Buryatian Shaman" "Nadia Stepanova is a Buryatian shaman who is reviving the ritual ceremonies that for centuries have been part of the people. The Republic of Buryatia is often said to be the cradle of shamanism, which appeared at the dawn on civilization and was repressed by Stalin in the 1930s." 30 min. Snow Lion 92. "Nepal: Land of Gods," A film by Sheldon Rochlin, Mike Spera and Loren Standlee. Commentary by John Reynolds. "Journey to Nepal and explore the ancient civilizations still thriving in this Himalayan kingdom, with its unique mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism. This video shows the ritual invocations of deities, meditation training for young Tibetan monks, and depicts belief in local spirits, mountain gods and folk figures (such as Yeti) in daily Sherpa life in the Everest region. It culminates in a dramatic evocation of a shaman's journey through the landscape of the psyche. The narrative explains how lamas have taken over the shaman's role as psychic healer and guide of souls, and how Tantra is an integral part of daily life, harmonizing the relationship between man, nature and a higher spiritual reality." (Mystic Fire Video, Summer Catalog, 1994) 1976. 62 min. Mystic Fire Video. $29.95 93."News Hour with Jim Lehrer" McNeil/Lehrer Productions, PBS Last 20 minutes of an hour-long program. There is a brief film to give viewers a sense of what Tibet is like and includes the widely used film of Tibetan police beating monks and nuns in 1988. The program makes clear that the film was provided by the International Campaign for Tibet. Then, an intelligent 15 minute discussion with the Dalai Lama about the politics of Tibet and the relationship with China. Interview by Elizabeth Farnsworth. 94. "Nicholas Roerich: Messenger of Beauty" "Introduces the ennobling example of Roerich's life, through his Himalayan art and spiritual philosophy. Roerich was born in Russia and painted over 6000 canvases- he was an artist, explorer of Tibet and philosopher who labored in the name of beauty." 43 min. Snow Lion 95. "Nirvana in Nova Scotia" A film by David Cherniack Films for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's "Man Alive" series. February 1995. "In the 1980s, at the behest of their controversial Tibetan teacher, 400 American Buddhists moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia. A portrait of the Halifax Vajradhatu. Interviews with Allan Ginsburg, Robert A. F. Thurman, James George." The unedited interviews are available on the web site: http://www.myna.com/~davidck. 96. "Ocean of Wisdom" A film by Rajiv Melhrotra. The life His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Ocean of Wisdom is an intimate and moving profile of Tenzin Gyatso, the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet. It portrays him as a monk, as the spiritual and temporal leader of six million Tibetans, as statesman for our troubled times. His message of altruism, compassion and peace is carried on his smiling face. Materials from the personal archives of the Dalai Lama has been used to tell the story of ancient Tibet and the discovery of the present Dalai Lama. The film follows him through his private practices in his residence in Dharamsala, visiting Tibetan settlements in South India, teaching at Bode Gaya, in Japan, in Switzerland, in England and reaching out to audiences around the world. 25 min. Office of Tibet 97. "Opening Address to the Conference on Universal Education His Holiness the Dalai Lama" Provides the basis for the first conference on child education and psychology organized by the Universal Education Association. Lama Tsong Khapa Institute, Pomaia, Italy, 1982. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 98. "Ossian: American Boy/Tibetan Monk" American-made film "...of a 12 year old boy who has lived since age four as a monk in a Tibetan monastery in Kathmandu and is thought to be an incarnation of a high lama." 1984. 27 min. 99. "Our Lives from Tibet to England," Geshe Wangchen, Kelsang and Konchog. Three learned Gelugpa individually recall the story of their lives and give impressions of life in the West. London and Cumbria, 1984. Approx. 75 min. Meridian Trust. 100. "Pa-dga' Living Buddha" Directed by Wen Pulin. Shown at the 18th Hong Kong International Film Festival (April 1994). The description read: "Wen Pulin, a Han Chinese, who first visited Tibet in 1989 and started making documentaries about it (including "The Sacred Site of Asceticism") has now made Nga-shod his permanent home. Befriending Pa-dga' the Living Buddha, today he even subsumes shooting films to build bridges and temples with Pa-dga'. His latest documentary on Tibet is a record of a devoted man carrying out his daily religious and secular duties, and in a oblique way, an internal odyssey of the filmmaker himself finding tranquility in his adopted homeland. The film, therefore, like its subject, exudes the effortless serenity of a man at home with his calling and the environment." China 1993, color, 108 min. 101. "Peace: A Goal for All Religions" Ampleforth Abbey and Samye Ling, U.K., 1984. 60 min. 102. "Peace of Mind: Peace in Action" Royal Albert Hall, London, 1984. 60 min. 103. "Peace Through Human Understanding" Edinburgh, U.K., 1984. 60 min. 104. "Raid into Tibet" The only available film of the Tibetan guerilla fighters who carried on their resistance efforts in Tibet from the remote Mustang area of Nepal from 1960 to 1974. George Patterson, author and Tibetan expert, takes the viewer to the secret guerilla camps and accompanies the men on a mission to raid a Chinese military truck convoy. 30 min. b&w. 16 mm. Office of Tibet. 105. "Red Flag Over Tibet" Produced by Stephen McMillan and Robert Davidson. Opens and closes with performances by members of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Historical overview of the Tibetan situation with special emphasis on the takeover in 1949-1950 and the military occupation. Beyond International Group, 1989. 106. "Red Flag Over Tibet" American China expert Orville Schell travels around Tibet as a tourist with a hand-held camcorder. Good footage and interviews with dissidents. 60 minutes, 1994. Shown on PBS series "Frontline." 107. "Red River Valley" Shanghai Film and Television Corporation According to Parade magazine (8 March 1997) this is a US$10-$20 million production; "a Romeo and Juliet tale of a Tibetan boy and an ethnic Han Chinese girl who falls in love...it also depicts the British troops who entered Tibet in 1904 and laid siege to the people." The Far Eastern Economic Review (10 April 1997) says it is a US$1.7 million cartoon meant to "advocate patriotism" as it "dramatizes conduct of 19th century British invaders in the Himalayan kingdom." Xinhua (New China News Agency [28 April 1997]) says that the film stars American movie actors Paul Newman and Nicholas Love and cost nearly US$8 million and concerns "the Chinese campaigns early in this century against British troops invading Tibet." Released in China in mid April 1997. 108. "Reincarnation and Reincarnate Lamas" Includes an interview with the Dalai Lama about the role of reincarnate lamas in Tibetan Buddhism and interviews with tulkus of all ages. India, 1985. 60 min. Wisdom Films 109. "Reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche" "This is the story of a monk's search for his reincarnated Rinpoche. The film follows the monk's footsteps of the monks as he seeks the advice of the Dalai Lama and the Neching Oracle. He then travels in secret to Tibet and brings out the boy. The 4 year-old is ordained as a monk and returns to his monastery in south India." 62 min. Snow Lion 110. "Remember Tibet" Doboom Rinpoche and Phuntsog Wangyal address the Tibetan community in Britain and Western friends on the anniversary of the Lhasa uprising against the Chinese. Riga, London, 1985. 60 min Wisdom Publications 111. "Requiem for a Faith" Produced by Hartley Productions and narrated by Prof. Huston Smith. Set in Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Northern India, this moving film explores the essence of Tibetan Buddhism and focuses on the unusual chants of the Gyuto monks, whose training enables them to chant in chords. The film was shot mainly in Dalhousie, India, where the two Tantric Colleges, Gyuto and Gyume, were re-established in exile. 25 min. 16 mm. 112. "Return to Shangri-La' Wedding of the Crown prince. Documentary made for TV. Capital Cities TV production. 113. "Sand Painting: Sacred Art of Tibetan Buddhism" Written and produced by Sheri Brenner. "The ancient art of Tibetan sand painting has been preserved in the monasteries of Indian and Tibet for over 2000 years. In this live program, we have the rare opportunity to watch Tibetan monks of the Namgyal Monastery perform this unique art form. They will create the mandala of Kalachakra, the most sacred of Buddhist sand paintings" "Entering the world of Tibetan sacred tradition, this documentary explores the meaning of the symbols and rituals within the mandalas that have existed throughout time. These extraordinary images are narrated by Lobstang Samten whose wisdom and understanding provide insight into this sacred art." 1991. 30 min. color VHS 114. "Satya: A Prayer for the Enemy" Produced and directed by Ellen Bruno. This film focuses on the personal testimonies of Tibetan Buddhist nuns who in recent years, have taken the lead in resisting the communist China's illegal occupation of Tibet and brutal suppression of the Tibetan people. "The film seeks to understand the basis and inspiration for their non-violent actions in their struggle against oppressive policies." Distributed by Film Library, 22-D Hollywood Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey 07423 (800) 383-5548 28 min. color. 115. "Sem-Dzin: 21 Ways of Focusing Mind" In this lecture the range of meditative practices for focusing or "holding the mind" from Man-ngag-de is summarized. Ilfracombe, Devon, 1984. 120 min. Meridian Trust. 116. "Seven Years in Tibet" Produced by Iain Smith. Another Hollywood big-bucks potential blockbuster which is currently being filmed. Based on the Heinrich Harrer book, this film will star Brad Pitt as Harrer. The Dalai Lama has approved the film saying "Harrer is one of the few Westerners who is fully acquainted with the Tibetan way of life." 117. "Shadows Over Tibet: Stories in Exile" Produced by Rachel Lyon and Valerie Mrak. Written and directed by Rachel Lyon. 1994. Lioness Films. 118. "Shangshung: The Artistic Treasures of Tsaparang and Tholing" Within the crumbling walls of the ancient cities of Western Tibet are some of the finest examples of early Mahayana Buddhist art. 1989. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 119. "Sherpa High Country" Produced by Xenia Lisanevich. Includes detailed footage of the New Year festivities at Thangboche Monastery, the highest in the world at 15,000 ft. Dances of humorous, legendary and exotic types are shown. 1976. 20 min. color. 16 mm. 120. "Spiritual Life in a Material World" Engaging talk by Geshe Namgyal Wangchen the resident teacher at Manjushri London Centre, full of advice and encouragement for those who live and practice Dharma in the West. Vajara Yogini Institute, France, 1982. 60 min. Wisdom Film. 121. "Tantra: The Experience of Transformation" Lama Thubten Yeshe explains Tantric methods for utilizing emotional energy and turning what would usually become a neurotic disturbance into the experience of "blissful wisdom energy." Lama Tsong Khapa Institute, Italy, 1982. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 122. "Tantra of Gyuto: Sacred Rituals of Tibet" A film by Sheldon Rochlin and Mark Elliot. An account of the secret Tibetan buddhist ceremonies performed by monks of the Gyuto Tantric College who use ritual and tantric power to effect change in the individual and his environment. By their inherent potency and disciplined execution, these essential energies bring about direct spiritual phenomena. the lamas have relaxed their traditional secrecy to allow certain chants to be heard publicly, introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Narrated by Francis Huxley, the film includes extremely rare historical footage from the 1920's to the 1950's, including footage from the 1933 German expedition to Tibet. 1974. 52 min. Mystic Fire Video. 29.95 123. "The 17th Karmapa's Return to Tsurphu" "The Karmapas were the first lamas of Tibetan Buddhism to be recognized as reincarnations, and are among the greatest spiritually realized masters of Tibet. The first Karmapa vowed to come back for 21 incarnations in order to relieve the sufferings of the world. After the death of the 16th Karmapa in Chicago, he left a letter which led to the discovery of his reincarnation. The 17th Karmapa arrives in triumphal celebration at his original seat at Tsurphu monastery, the home of all his predecessors, shortly after his discovery in Tibet." (Mystic Fire Video, Summer Catalog, 1994) 100 min. Mystic Fire Video $39.95 124. "The Art of Dying" By C. Jasper Jensen & Majbrill Munck "...a wonderful and intimate view of life of the people of Mustang and the words that are entirely that of the people shown; lay people, young and old monks, the king, etc...The people of Tibet are shown here in the modern time warp they live in today. Also includes footage of monks in India...explores the approach to death as revealed in the ancient Tibetan scriptures and practiced in local customs throughout the centuries." 63 min. Snow Lion 125. "The Basis of the Spiritual Path" The first of a series of teachings given during Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche's final visit to Britain. Translated by Geshe Namgyal Wangchen. Manjushri Center, London, 1984. Approx. 150 min. color. Meridian Trust. 126. "The Cat and The Mouse: China and Tibet" BBC Television "This film is an intimate portrayal of Tibetan resistance to the Chinese occupation. It contrasts the moderate approach of the Dalai lama with that of the young rebels who employ more direct forms of protest. The Dalai lama sees his best hope in quiet, persistent diplomacy and media support on an international level. The young, exiled radicals secretly cross the border to organize opposition in Tibet. The Cat and the Mouse details the repressive forty-year occupation of Tibet by China and the human rights violations which has attempted to obliterate the religion and culture. Buddhist monks have been tortured and killed. It follows the dangerous exodus of young dissidents over the ice-covered mountains to refuge in Dharamsala, India." 50 min., video Filmakers Library (tel: 212-808-4980/fax:212-808-4983) www.filmakers.com e-mail: info@filmakers.com 127. "The Celebration of the Great Prayer Festival" Follows the Monlam Chenmo held at Drepung Monastery in Mungod, South India in 1985, presided over by the Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Jamphal Shenpen, the head of the Gelugpa sect. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 128. "The Cremation of Lama Thubten Yeshe" When he passed away in California in 1984, Lama Yeshe was accorded the full ritual honors of an accomplished Vajrayana master with a cremation stupa built and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Geshe Sopa among those present. Vajrapani Institute, Boulder Creek, California, 1984. 120 min. Wisdom Films. 129. "The Dalai Lama: A Portrait in the First Person" "By the force of his words, he has turned the disaster of the Chinese depredations in Tibet and the tragedy of his own exile from his roots and his spiritual home into a world-wide message of peace and strength. In this program, the Dalai Lama speaks of anxiety, anger, enlightenment, tolerance, and compassion. Your enemy, he says, is your best teacher: true compassion is what you feel toward your enemy." (Catalogue) Films for the Humanities and Sciences, PO Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543 ($89.95) 24 min color 130. "The Dalai Lama Addresses the General Assembly of Tibetans in Exile" (Tibetan language only). Dharamsala, India, 1984. 60 min. Wisdom Publications. 131. "The Dalai Lama: An Overview of Tibetan Buddhism with a Commentary on Bodhicharyavatara" Covers three days of illuminating talks including question and answer sessions. London, April 1988. 11 hrs. Wisdom Films. 132. "The Dalai Lama: Green Tara Initiation" His Holiness performs the common initiation of Green Tara which grants the four empowerments in the form of a blessing. London, April 1988. 165 min. Wisdom Film. 133. "The Dalai Lama in Britain 1984" A series of films of the visit of His Holiness to Britain in 1984. Produced by the Tibet Foundation. Wisdom Publications. 134. "The Dalai Lama of Tibet: 25 Years in Exile" Directed and produced by Phil Grabsky. The history of the Dalai Lama and his people and the personal and public of His Holiness, with some rare Tibetan and Chinese footage used to examine the Tibetans' fight to regain independence. 52 min. Meridian Trust. 135. "The Dalai Lama Shall Come Back" Produced by Franz and Brigitte Alt. A film shot secretly in Tibet in 1982 for West German television,interviewing Tibetans who suffered Chinese oppression. 44 min. Wisdom Film. 136. "The Dalai Lama: The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva" Classic teaching given as a preparation for a Kalachakra initiation in Switzerland. Rikon, Switzerland, 1985. Wisdom Films. 137. "The Dalai Lama Teachings" "The Bodhisattva Motivation: Perfection of Concentration," 1 hr. "Buddhism and World Peace," 50 min. "Deity Yoga," 30 min. "Emptiness and Great Compassion,", 16 hrs. "Excerpt on Meditation," 1.5 hrs "The Foundations of Buddhist Philosophy," 50 min. "The Nature of the Self," 57 min. "Tibet and China," 50 min. Wisdom Films. These are available only in NTSC. 138. "The Dalai Lama: The Future of Religion" The purpose of the variety of spiritual traditions and their benefit for humanity. Amsterdam, Holland, 1986. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 139. "The Dalai Lama: Universal Responsibility in a Nuclear Age" His Holiness delivers an impassioned speech to the Global Conference of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival, held at Oxford in 1988. 30 min. Wisdom Films. 140. "The Dalai Lama Visits Christian and Buddhist Communities" Ampleforth Abbey and Samye Ling, U.K., 1984. 60 min. 141. "The Dzogchen Rite" The ritual taught by Rinpoche can be practiced on a number of levels and incorporates Chod practice. Ilfracombe, Devon, 1984. 60 min. Meridian Trust. 142. "The Enigma of Tibet (Geheimnis Tibet)" Extraordinary Nazi film about the 1939 German expedition to Tibet. Truly astonishing! Germany, 1942. (see "Untitled Documentary of a German Expedition to Tibet in 1933:" same film?) 205 min. (copy available from the Institute for Scientific Films, Goettingen, Germany) 143. "The Essence of Buddhist Philosophy" Commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the beginning of the classic Kagyu text by Gampopa, The Ornament of Liberation. 60 min. color. Meridian Trust. 144. "The Essence of Mahayana Buddhism" His Holiness the Dalai Lama explains the unified practice of compassion and wisdom with advice to Western practitioners with a question and answer session. 60 min. color. Meridian Trust. 145. "The Experience of Transition" Three interviews concerned with the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, with the Dalai Lama, Australian monk Adrian Feldmann and French nun Elizabeth Drukier. Lama Tsong Khapa Institute, Pomaia, Italy, 1985. 146. "The Future of Tibet" Produced by Lion and Fool Foundation. 199?. A 117-minute documentary, focuses on the U.S. position vis-a-vis Tibet and the fallacy behind arguments of "realpolitik", given China's trade imbalance with the U.S. (second only to Japan). This tape incorporates a quick-moving montage of historical and contemporary footage, not yet seen in other tapes on Tibet; as well as interviews with Congressional leaders. 117 min. color. VHS. Office of Tibet $15.00 147. "The Gift of Peace: A Message for All Faiths" Glasgow, U.K. 1984. 75 min. 148. "The Good Heart: The 14th Dalai lama Comments on the Four Christian Gospels" "This video is a summary of the 1994 John Main Seminar held in London. His Holiness gave an extensive commentary of the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John for both Christians and Buddhists. He insists on the need to see the fundamental differences between Buddhism and Christianity - such as a Creator God. But he also highlights the striking similarities and parallels between the lives of Jesus and Buddha, their teachings on non-violence and the progressive stages of spiritual development." [Snow Lion Newsletter, Winter 1996] Snow Lion 149. "The Himalayas" Directed by Brado Quilici. Eight episodes mostly about Nepal and Bhutan and their economies, including the Tibetan carpet industry. Genesis Entertainment/Brando Quilici Productions. "Himalayan Realities" "The Legend of Everest" "The Mighty River" "Ice on the Move" "A Kingdom in the Sky" "Cosmic Cycle" "Tibet" "In Thin Air" 22 min each. color. 150. "The Holy Mountain of Tibet" "Where Tibet, Nepal and India meet rises a 22,000-foot-high mountain thought by Hindus and Buddhists to hold at its peak the throne of the foremost gods. This program follows the trail to Mt. Kailash, also stopping to visit shrines and other sacred sites at Tsaparang, the 11th century capital of the old Tibetan kingdom of Guge, at Khojamat, where a stately cloister remained open despite the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and at Lhasa, whose architecture and rich decorative arts illustrate the Buddhist concept of the world." (Catalogue) Films for the Humanities and Sciences, PO Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543 ($89.95) 52 min, color 151. "The Jew in the Lotus" Director/Producer: Laurel Chiten Based on a book by Rodger Kamenetz with the same title. Kamenetz was one of 8 Jewish delegates to visit the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala in 1990. This is a documentary which she calls "a modern day Wizard of Oz story...about a skeptical Jew discovering Buddhism." The Jew in the Lotus Film Project, Blind Dog Films, PO 238, Waban, MA 02168 (617-965-0712). 152. "The Lama King" This 1975 BBC documentary features candid interviews with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and scenes from the daily life of Tibetans in exile in Dharamsala, India, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Of special interest are shots of the colorful and dramatic rituals performed to observe the Tibetan New Year and 1959 footage of the Tibetan National Uprising in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama's Geshe degree examination and his escape to India, including the original BBC broadcast announcing his safe arrival. 45 min/16 mm. and 3/4". Office of Tibet. 153. "The Lion's Roar" Documents the extraordinary life, teachings and death of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa, supreme head of the Kagyu tradition. Narrated by James Coburn. 50 min. color. Wisdom Publications. 154. "The Meaning of Tibetan Buddhist Chanting" By Ven. Thubten Pende. 26 min. Wisdom Films. 155. "The Message of the Tibetans" Produced by Arnaud Desjardins. Made for French TV in 1963, this video was filmed in India, Sikkim and Bhutan and contains footage of major Tibetan teachers from all lineages including H.H. Dalai Lama, H.H. Karmapa, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H. Sakya Tridzin Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Abo Rinpoche, a very young Tai Situ Rinpoche and many others. In two parts: "Buddhism" and "Tantrism." English narration. $55 for both from Alize Diffusion, 02-3330 avenue Dumas, Quebec, PQ, G1L 4S5, Canada (418-623-7524). Available through Snow Lion. 156. "The Nature of Mind" An overview of Tibetan Buddhism by Kalu Rinpoche, one of the most eminent masters of the Kagyu school, recorded in London in 1987. 150 min. Wisdom Films. 157. "The Nature of Mind" Sakya Trizin gives a lucid and profound explanation of the practices of Mahamudra from the Sakya lineage of Drogmi Lotsawa. Rigpa, London, 1984. 80 min. color. Meridian Trust. 158. "The OSS Mission to Tibet: 1942-1943" A unique documentary, made by a professional cameraman accompanying the mission led Co. Illia Tolstoy and Capt. Brooke Dolan and sent by President Roosevelt to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to request permission to transport military supplies through Tibet during WWII. Although the commentary by Capt. Dolan reflects many misconceptions held about Tibet at the time, the color footage is an outstanding record of traditional Tibet: the land, the young Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. 40 min. color. 16 mm. Office of Tibet. 159. "The Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" A Chinese documentary with stirring uplifting music and lots of happy natives grateful for Chinese rule. An excellent example of terribly unbelievable propaganda. However there is lots of footage from the 1950s, Tibet scholars justifying Chinese rule and the Panchen Lama. 30 mins. No date, English narration. 160. "The Principles of the Spiritual Path" Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives an explanation of the three principle aspects of path, renunciation, bodhicitta and the right view of emptiness. Translated by Geshe Namgyal Wangchen. Lam Rrim Centre, Wales. Approx. 4 hrs. color. Meridian Trust. 161. "The Principles of Tibetan Medicine" Dr. Tenzin Choedak, personal physician to the Dalai Lama, gives a series of talks introducing Tibetan medicine. Rikon, Switzerland, 1985. Approx. 5 hrs. Wisdom Films. 162. "The Reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche" Directed by Tenzin Sonam and Ritu Sarin. This film is a "two-part real life drama...narrated by Ian Holm and shows events as they happened. A disciple searches for the child who is the reincarnation of the late Khensur Rinpoche, a revered high lama who had been his master. Once found, the child, a cheerily boisterous, very normal infant only four years old, is ceremonially initiated into the religious life. Once again the Dalai Lama appears, but this time to ambiguous effect. For the way in which a young child is set up in a role likely to last for life will be experienced as wonderful or disturbing depending on the religious outlook of the individual viewer. Either way, this is a fascinating insight and a film of great interest". (Michael Darviell, What's on in London, London) 65 min. Mystic Fire Video. $29.95 163. "The Religious Investiture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama" Produced by the Office of Tibet, New York City, A colorful documentary record of sequences from the rigorous oral examinations required of the Dalai Lama to achieve his Geshe Lharampa degree (highest order of Doctor of Divinity degree). Some of the footage was filmed in 1958, and the balance in February 1959, only weeks before the Tibetan Uprising and the flight of the Dalai Lama to India. Informative and interesting scenes of the Potala Palace, Lhasa city and surrounding areas, Tsuglagkhang (the Central Cathedral), Ganden monastery (now destroyed), monks, government officials and ceremonial dancers. from the original 8 mm. films. 20 min. 16 mm. and 3/4" video. Office of Tibet (212-213-5010) 164. "The Song of Ultimate Reality" Commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Song of Four Mindfulness composed by the Seventh Dalai Lama. Lama Tsong Khapa Institute, Pomaia, Italy, 1985. 90 min. Wisdom Films. 165. "The Sound of Wisdom: Sacred Chant at New York City's Church of Saint John the Divine" Produced and directed by Robyn Bretano. Documents the One World Music Festival of Sacred Chant which brought together the Tibetan monks from Gyuto Tantric College and new music composers Phillip Glass, David Hykes, Pauline Oliveros and Terry Riley. 57 min Wisdom Films 166. "The Teaching of Buddha in Everyday Life" H. E. Sakya Trizin, the head of the Sakya sect, gives practical advice on integrating Buddhism into daily life. Rigpa, London, 1984. 90 min. color. Meridian Trust 167. "The Three Principles of the Path" Two lectures by Lama Thubten Yeshe on renunciation, bodhicitta and the right view of emptiness, given as a prelude to a tantric initiation. Vajra Yogini Institute, France, 1982. 105 min. Wisdom Films. 168. "The Three Testaments of Garab Dorje" Summary of the entire Dzogchen teachings by the first master to transmit them in this epoch. Ilfracombe, Devon, 1984. Meridian Trust. 169. "The Tibet Journal" Documentary by CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy about his visit to Tibet in 1988. Chinoy is one of a very small handful of Western journalists allowed to visit Tibet officially. A fair, even-handed representation of the situation at the time. The film includes interviews with Chinese officials and dissidents. Approx. 30 mins. 1988. CNN 170. "The Tibetan Book of the Dead, A Way of Life" Produced by NHK/NHK Creative of Japan, Mistral Film of France and National Film Board of Canada. Filmed in Ladakh and the United States. Includes interview with the Dalai Lama and the use of animation. Two part film, 45 min each. Available from Snow Lion 171. "The Tibetan Way of Healing" Seminar by Dr. Rabgay covering Tibetan medicine and pharmacopeia, massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, yoga and therapeutic ritual. Rigpa, London, 1985. 9 hrs. Wisdom Publications. 172. "The Tibetan Way of Healing" Seminar by Dr. Rabgay covering Tibetan medicine and pharmacopeia, massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, yoga and therapeutic ritual. Rigpa, London, 1985. 9 hours, Wisdom Films. 173. "The Triple Vision" H. E. Sakya Trizin gives a general commentary referring to the three views of the world, that an ordinary being, of a practitioner with insight into reality and the totally integrated view of a fully awakened view of a fully awakened master or Buddha. Meridian Trust. Rigpa, London, 1984. 6 hrs. color. Meridian Trust. 174. "The Wind Horse" Directed by Paul Wagner. "This film tells the story of an aspiring Tibetan pop singer who wins favor with the Chinese Government of occupied Tibet, but faces a crisis of conscience when her cousin, a Buddhist nun, is imprisoned and tortured for her religious beliefs." Starring Tibetan-American singer Dadon. Some of the footage was clandestinely shot inside Tibet. Paul Wagner Productions. In production, January 1997. 175. "Three Great Monasteries of Tibet: Ganden, Drepung, and Sera" Life in the three great Gelugpa monastic universities, which were reconstructed in South Indian following their virtual destruction in Tibet. Mungod and Bylakuppe, India, 1985. 43 min. Wisdom Films. 176. "Tibet" Chinese made film which "documents the major rites and celebrations of Tibetan Buddhism which still play a key role in the fabric of Tibetan social life." Narration in English. Video, 59 min, available from China Books and Periodicals, 2929 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. 177. "Tibet" Produced by Peter Lehman. Features delegation's visit to Tibet and the scenes of the countryside and ruins of monasteries razed by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution in 1967-1976. Made in 1981. 56 min. color. 3/4/" Office of Tibet 178. "Tibet" Documentary by Briton Felix Greene. Shot in 1976 it also includes archival material on old versus new Tibet. Patterson Film Distributors: 658 Oak Parkway, Redwood City,CA 94062. 60 min 179. "Tibet: A Case to Answer" "Vanya Kewley's 1988 documentary shot inside Tibet under very difficult and dangerous circumstances. Ms. Kewley, a British journalist, secretly dropped out of Chinese-controlled tour and traveled 4,000 miles across Tibet undercover, far from areas where tourist visit, risking prison and possible death. This documentary features important interviews with monks, nuns and political prisoners who risked further punishments by speaking out about their horrible prison experiences. This film provides view of the systematic destruction perpetrated by the Chinese over the past 38 years in Tibetan "killing fields." It presents first hand accounts of famine, torture, cannibalism, forced abortion and the exploitation of Tibet's natural resources." 2 hours, color. VHS 1/2" 180. "Tibet: A Culture in Exile" An excellent concise compilation of materials on Tibet's cultural destruction, blending interviews with the Dalai Lama, scholars,Western diplomats and images of Tibetan life in exile. The Tibetans' effort at cultural preservation contrast starkly with black and white shots of Chinese military brutality. 23 min. Office of Tibet, $20.00 181. "Tibet: A Lost Nation" This 1989 BBC production features the current political situation in Tibet with brief political history. Scenes include demonstrations in Lhasa, Tibet's capital, an interview with former Tibetan political prisoners and Tibetan government officials, and an interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 42 min. color. VHS 182. "Tibet: A Prayer for the Future" Martin Paul Production. This recently completed hour-long documentary traces Tibet's history from its origins to the current struggle under Chinese occupation. The documentary includes footage smuggled out of Tibet of the recent uprisings, rare footage of sacred rituals, interviews with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan leaders and foreign activists, as well as scenes from Tibetan monasteries and villages. 1 hr. 183. "Tibet: A Prophecy" Produced by Thread Cross Films, U.K. This film features Tibetan communities in India and Ladakh--scenes of Buddhist rituals. 56 min. color. 3/4" Office of Tibet 184. "Tibet: A Seed for Transformation" Produced by Jupiter Video Productions Contains information on China's nuclear activities, human rights violations and environmental destruction in Tibet. in 1990. 29 min. color. VHS. 185. "Tibet: Close to the Heart" Produced and narrated by Tenzin Khangsar (in French) "A whole generation of Tibetans are being born and raised outside of Tibet. They live a life that is very different from the one their parents knew. But one thing remains the same: their love for Tibet. 24 year old Tenzin Jimpa and 23 year old Tenzin Khangsar are among more than a dozen young Tibetans from Montreal, Quebec. Their Tibetan community is tiny, less than a hundred people. Nevertheless, the sense of Tibetan identity is not lost. Instead it is vibrant, especially amongst the young. Tenzin Jimpa speaks intimately about her obligation to Tibet, as well as her experiences in Beijing. She was a part of a brave and historic team of Tibetan women-in-exile at the Fourth United Nations Conference on Women. Tenzin Khangsar...tells of the significance of March 10 to him and of his recent trip to Tibet, where he met his relatives for the first time. High quality video of his trip is included in the documentary." Tenzin Dargyal Khangsar Time: 9:35 minutes (for info call 514-448-9654 186. "Tibet - Communism, Land of the Gods" CNN documentary reported by Andrea Koppel in three parts. Generally fair assessment of the situation in 1994. Approx. 25 mins. 187. "Tibet in Exile" This half-hour documentary follows the dramatic story of ten children who were smuggled out of Tibet to India. Through the children's resettlement into the schools and community of Dharamsala, the program explores the issues facing Tibetans in exile, and illuminates the current conditions in Tibet that made the children's escape necessary. The documentary includes interviews with leaders of the community in exile, and including Ms. Jetsun Pema, Director of Tibetan Children's Village and sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Office of Tibet. $29 188. "Tibet Lecture: Lowell Thomas, Jr." Important historical document of visit to Tibet from around 1949. Old print with no sound; but includes scenes of people picnicking near Lhasa, religious ceremony, European visitors, monasteries, pageant, etc. 20 min. color. VHS. 189. "Tibet, My Country" Produced by Adelaide Aglietta, Member of the European Parliament. Directed by Pero Verni, President of the Italia-Tibet Association. A documentary depicting events in Tibet from 1949 to the present including some footage of the period prior to that. Premiered in 1996. Available in English and Italian from the Associazione Italia- Tibet, Via Pinturicchio 25, 20133 Milano, Italy. (e-mail: P.Verni@agora.stm.il) 190. "Tibet: The Living Tradition" Produced by Barry Bryant & Valrae Reynolds "The triptych of unique programs draws from the Newark Museum's outstanding collection of Tibetan art and historical documents. "Visions of Enlightenment" presents the 1000 year-old history of Tibetan Buddhist sculpture, painting and applique. 'Music and Dance" presents archival footage from the 1935 Cutting expedition to Tibet along with contemporary color video showing folk dances, opera and monastic dances. "Creating a Sacred Space" shows the design and construction of the new alter built in the museum in 1989. Included is footage of Phuntsok Dorje painting the traditional decoration and the consecration of the alter of H.H. the Dalai Lama." 60 min. Snow Lion 191. "Tibet: The Lost Mystery & The Iron Curtain Falls" (The World About Us. Part I & II) Part I examines the historical events starting form Younghusband's expedition to Tibet in 1904 and leading up to the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Part II examines the events from the flight of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and exodus of Tibetan refugees into India and other neighboring countries. This film updates the events to 1982 and also features the highlights of the three fact-finding delegations to Tibet sent by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 2 hrs 3/4" Office of Tibet 192. "Tibet: The Survival of Spirit" "Disguised as tourists, the film crew left their Chinese guide behind and filmed for two months in Tibet without Chinese censorship. The Tibetans take their protests into the streets several times a year resist the occupation government. Their plight is brought home with footage of the Jokhang temple stormed by Chinese police. Eyewitness and survivors detail torture and human rights abuses. Through it all, the Tibetans quietly continue to rebuild their shattered culture." (Mystic Fire Video, Summer Catalog 1994) 92 min. $29. Mystic Fire Video 193. "Tibetan Culture in Transition" Interviews with three generations of Tibetans in exile in Switzerland, those who speak Tibetan, those who are bi-lingual and those who speak no Tibetan at all. Rikon, Switzerland, 1985. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 194. "Tibetan Folk Dance Performances" Part I & II Filmed in 1975, during the 21-member Tibetan dance troupe's visit to the United States. They are from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, based in Dharamsala, India. 45 min. each/ 3/4" Office of Tibet. 195. "Tibetan Medicine" Produced by Russel Pariseau Features a group of doctors from Harvard Medical College visiting Tibetan Medical Institute in Dharamsala and examines Tibetan medical systems and also experimentation of Tumo (heat) meditation with Tibetan lamas who practice this type of meditation. 1982. 45 min. 3/4" 196. "Tibetan Medicine" Dr. Lobsang Rabgay outlines the principles behind Tibetan medicine. Rigpa, London, 1985. 120 min. Wisdom Publications. 197. "Tibetan Medicine: A Buddhist Approach to Healing" A film by Sheldon Rochlin and Mikki Mahler. Ama Lopsang Dolma, Tibet's foremost woman doctor, shows how medicines are made from animal, vegetable and mineral substances and how acupuncture and moxibustion are used during her daily rounds as a practicing physician. Filmed at the Tibetan Medical Center, which was established in exile by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Indian Himalayas and is the only remaining center of Tibetan medicine. The video explores the relationship of physical health to magnetic and other forces in the environment, showing how Tibetan medicine heals both the physical and the psychic being by treating the patient rather than disease. 1975. 29 min. 198. "Tibetan Story" Produced by Christian Aid. The 1965 film examines the problem and needs of the Tibetan people in exile and the assistance provided by Church organizations for their resettlement in a new environment. The film offers a wide selection of scenes from Tibetan settlements in India, with special emphasis on the educational needs of the children, health problems of the refugees, the maintenance of Tibet culture and the future of the Tibetan people. 25 min. 16 mm. Office of Tibet. 199. "Tibetan Trilogy" Three films by Graham Coleman & David Lascelles. Part I: Prophecy, Tibetan culture has been in exile since the occupation of Tibet by the Chinese in the 1950's. This documentary profiles the country's supreme spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, examining the nature of his spiritual and political vision, and looks at contemporary Tibetan society in the refugee camps of South India. Filmed in Sera, the second largest monastery of old Tibet, and Dharamsala, present headquarters of the Dalai Lama's administration in exile, the film portrays the Buddhist practices and philosophy which shape the lives of both monks and lay people. Part II: The Fields of the Senses. Set in the majestic landscape of Ladakh, this film is a study in the divine nature of the mind, body and place. Impermanence, non-attachment, and the right attitude toward death are three tenets if Buddhism that are vividly illustrated through the film's observation of the pattern of changes on the face of the mountain, the ritualistic activities of the farmers in the fields, and in the formal ritual invocations and studies of the monks. The film ends with the monastery's moving ritual response to a death in the community. Part III: Radiating the Fruit of Truth. At the Phulwary Sakya monastery, by the great stupa in Baudhanath, Nepal, the monks are preparing to perform a Buddhist ritual of protection. In it, the female deity Tara is invoked to pacify the kind of obstructions and disturbances which people encounter in this world: war, disease, madness, drought, a bad harvest, a long or dangerous journey, etc. The film follows the preparations, both spiritual and physical, for the ritual and shows its performance in detail, with the Tibetan text translated in subtitles. University of California at Berkeley, Extension Media Center, 2223 Fulton Street, Berkeley, CA 94720 (415) 642-0460 200. "Tibetans Celebrate the Birthday of the Dalai Lama" Camden, London, 1984. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 201. "Timeless Wisdom: Being the Knowing" Film by Thubten Chodron & Ajahn Amaro "Two Western Buddhist monastics, one Tibetan and the other Theravadin, discuss many issues of spiritual life and practice with a large group of students in Seattle." 60 min. Snow Lion 202. "Traditional Music and Dance of Sikkim" Parts I & II of a documentary by ethnomusicologist Federeic Lieberman, with Michael Moore. Asian Music Productions, School of Music, University of Washington,Seattle, WA 98190. 35 min. 203. "Twenty Years in Exile" ABC-Television film made in Dharamsala. 20/20 Interview with Dalai Lama narrated by Hugh Downs with Barbara Walters. Good overview of the situation in Tibet, including old footage and an official Chinese response. 204. "Two Tibetan Buddhist Nunneries" Documentary on the nunneries at Tilokpur, where Tilopa meditated,and at Dharamsala in India. Dharamsala, India, 1984. 60 min. Wisdom Publications. 205. "Unconquerable Tibet" Produced and distributed by the United States Information Agency. U.S. Government Cold War propaganda film which portrays the background of communist infiltration into Tibet since 1950, progressive aggression leading to the take-over by China and the flight of the Dalai Lama. Indicates the Indian reverence for the lama and resentment against threat to Buddhism. 1959. 16 + 35mm motion picture. B&W 10 min. 206. Untitled Documentary of a German Expedition to Tibet in 1939. This rare film of travel through Tibet is believed to have been made by a special German expedition in 1939. The original is in the U.S. Library of Congress, and is said to have come from Berlin at the end of World War II. The film although, unedited and without sound, has interesting footage of the Tibetan plateau and people and of the ceremonies and games held during the Tibetan New Year.45 min. b&w. 16 mm. ?p (See "The Enigma of Tibet:" same film?) 207. "Volcano" Produced by Savithri Rathnam, Trishool Productions, India. This is a PROPOSED $2 million dollar Bollywood extravaganza to be based on "the modern history of Tibet, its struggle for freedom and the need of the Tibetans for an independent country." The plan is for a 150 minute Hindi language film complete with music and songs. A 90 minute version (without music) is also proposed to be dubbed in English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese. "The movie is being made with a charitable purpose as we have decided to donate all the after-tax net profits of this film from exhibition in the Indian market for the welfare of the Tibetan refugees in India." Contributions can be sent to Trishool Productions, A-412, External Affairs Hostel, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110 001, India. 208. "We Will Meet Again" "Now in her eighties, Dojljin Kandro Suren, is a Buddhist lama and spiritual guide for thousands who come to her from all over Mongolia and Russia. After 70 years under Communism, she is the only remaining keeper of the Chod lineage in Mongolia." 30 min. Snow Lion 209. "Western Students of Buddhism in India 1985" Includes an interview with the Dalai Lama on the spread of Buddhism in the West and the views of Westerners studying Buddhism in India. Approx. 60 min. Wisdom Films. 210. "Wheel of Re-Birth" A film by David Cherniack Films for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's "Man Alive" series. This documentary shows the process and methods of finding a reincarnate lama, using the search for Zong Rinpoche's reincarnation as an example. Scenes include a rare glimpse of the Nechung oracle going into a trance to help select the correct incarnation. Includes an interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 1989. 30 min. color. VHS. 211. "Wonders Of The Himalayas" Oracle Pictures, a subsidiary of ORACLE COMMUNICATIONS CORP, Los Angeles, CA. (310) 556-FILM, For internet email, awang19851@aol.com. A film tracing the origin of Tibet's Lamaism, was filmed in Tibet by Tibetan cinematographers in the summer of 1995, from King Songtsang Kampo's ancient castle, Yumbulakan, to his residence in Tsetung, to Lhasa's magnificant temples, monasteries, and palaces, including His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama's summer palace, Norbulingka. With King Songtsang Kampo's marriage in 640 AD with Chinese emperor, Tai Tsung's daughter, Princess Wen Cheng, and her statue of Sakyamuni from China's ancient capital, Chang An, as a main historical thread, this film focuses on the sources and the origins of Tibet's unique Buddhism, its arts, architecture, and culture. Through the local assistance, many sites which were previously prohibited from filming, were for the first time captured by our crew. Our historical research materials are based the Tibetan texts, and Tibetan history books, published outside China, which are referenced with sources from India, the U.S., Britain, and China. [written by the producers] 60 minutes 212. "World Peace" Westminster Abbey, London, 1984. 60 min. 213. " Yantra Yoga: Meditation with Movement" The unique system of Tibetan yoga, a series of movements which link the breath with the mind, thereby influencing the flow of subtle energy in the body, ultimately bringing the mind into its natural condition. Dzogchen Community, U.K. 60 min. Meridian Trust. Films about which I have only spotty information: 1. an IMAX production about a Tibetan mountain-climber who climbs Mount Everest and unfurls the Tibetan flag which is banned in China. 2. Merchant Ivory Productions have optioned a script by Blake Kerr about two Americans who witnessed the demonstrations and crackdown in Lhasa in the late 1980s. It will be, according to Blake, "a combination of 'The Killing Fields' and 'Midnight Express'. " 3. Ilya Salkind, producer of "Superman" is planning a horror movie about a romance between an American anthropologist and an abominable snowman in Tibet. -----------------------------------------------------------------------