FILM REVIEW

Dalai Lama Renaissance
Produced and Directed
By Khashyar Darvich
Narrated by Harrison Ford
Filmed primarily at the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala India, “Dalai Lama Renaissance” beautifully interweaves the perspectives of the East and West. A moving form of visual poetry, the film shows the sensual richness of the Tibetan and Indian cultures and the locale they share. The movie’s musical selections added an auditory and evocative invitation into this Eastern world setting.

The film focuses on a gathering of notable Western thinkers, known as the Synthesis group, who trekked halfway around the globe to meet in the Himalayan Mountains and search for a new way to envision our future.

Aptly named, “Dalai Lama Renaissance” demonstrates how the new emerges, first the old begins to break down. Through the chaos of change, eventually there is a new dawning. A Chinese proverb quoted in the film states: “Words are mere bubbles, but deeds are drops of gold.” 
The Dalai Lama’s golden deeds with this group show what it is to reframe our understanding from the singular to a collective perspective, effecting a poignant and pivotal turning point within the group’s clashing dynamics.

Using a mix of humor, pragmatism and sincerity, the Dalai Lama demonstrates the strength and wisdom of our virtues. While His Holiness refers to himself as ‘a simple monk,’ he shows the sacred in action and a powerful metamorphosis takes place. As the gathering comes to a close, the award-winning film captures this momentous magic.

Applause goes to the filmmakers for revealing the jewel in the lotus, so we are able to palpably experience the potent possibilities of an open, compassionate heart. The film is an intimate and stirring testimony of what it means to live in a way that demonstrates mutuality, and truly expressing the best for the one, and the all.

“Dalai Lama Renaissance” recently held a private screening at Common Ground Spiritual Center in Tustin. Please go to www.dalailamarenaissance for dates in Los Angeles and New York. You do not want to miss this film!

Reviewed by Donna Strong