The ninety-minute film "Wisdom of Happiness," produced in Switzerland, offers a new perspective on the Dalai Lama's thoughts, captivating images of our planet, and recently discovered archival footage in domestic cinemas. This unique feature documentary captures the Dalai Lama for the first time in a very intimate connection with the viewer. A direct look into the eyes and the timeless wisdom of one of the world's most recognized personalities, who has observed the happenings from the throne of Tibetan Buddhism for nearly ninety years, is the result of collaboration among several prominent film personalities. The filmmakers, including the Dalai Lama's longtime student, actor, and producer Richard Gere, will offer an unforgettable film and meditative experience in cinemas across the country starting May 15.
“When I saw the rough cut of the film 'Wisdom of Happiness,' it was clear that it was extraordinary material. It was extensive, understandable in everything, but at the same time, it was a very personal film experience. I have never seen footage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama sharing his view of the world with his gaze directed straight into the camera. It was amazing,” says the executive producer of the film Richard Gere.
"Wisdom of Happiness" is not just a film, but primarily a legacy and message from a man who was born into a farming family in northern Tibet and at a young age was chosen to sit on the throne of Tibetan Buddhists. From the age of four, he found himself in the spotlight of the entire world. Throughout his long life, which he will celebrate 90 years this July, this Nobel Peace Prize laureate has sought a quiet and non-violent spiritual revolution. The film also reminds us through unique footage of the brutal invasion of the Chinese People's Liberation Army into Tibet in the 1950s. These events prompted the Dalai Lama to decide to go into exile in the Indian mountain town of Dharamsala, where he was followed by more than 150,000 other refugees.
The film also touches on the state of our planet. The words of the Dalai Lama flow against the backdrop of moving images of the world, revealing not only its beauty but also the dangers of a world significantly influenced by human activity. In "Wisdom of Happiness," the Dalai Lama describes small steps that each of us can take to expand our consciousness in ways that transcend the spirit of the times and current political currents. Thanks to the open mind of the Dalai Lama and his disarming wit, "Wisdom of Happiness" offers a current guide to a healthy and happy life amidst the challenges of the 21st century. “Take a deep breath, live now, live in the present!” the Dalai Lama says in the film's trailer.
In addition to the directing duo Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, and producer Richard Gere, the creation of the feature documentary involved world-renowned photographer and cameraman Manuel Bauer, who has long collaborated with the Dalai Lama, and Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director Oren Moverman, who has received an Emmy Award. The distributor of the film in the Czech Republic is CinemArt.
