New Delhi: The inaugural edition of the BODHIPATH Film Festival, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), commenced in the capital with a thought-provoking discussion on the power of cinema as a medium to educate and influence society. The two-day festival, held on March 10-11, 2025, brought together renowned scholars, actors, and filmmakers to explore the intersection of Buddhism and visual storytelling.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ven Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, drew a parallel between ancient Buddhist paintings commissioned by the Buddha 2,500 years ago and modern cinema. He emphasized that visual art has always played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and shaping public consciousness. He noted that films reflect societal thinking, stating, “Cinema is a powerful tool to shape minds, but it also mirrors the level of thinking in society. If visual content is of a lower nature, society absorbs it, which in turn affects values and behavior.”
The event featured a special address by renowned American Buddhist scholar and Padma Shri recipient, Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, who spoke about his ongoing book on Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Adding to the global significance of the festival, Hollywood actor and practicing Buddhist Richard Gere shared a recorded message, describing the festival as an excellent platform to spread the teachings of the Buddha and calling it “an exciting moment” for those seeking spiritual knowledge through cinema.
Guest of Honour Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Buddhism and India’s ancient storytelling tradition, Natya Shastra. He compared cinema to theatre, explaining that both serve as mediums of storytelling but with different methods of audience engagement. He noted that in a world filled with conflict, Buddhist philosophies could provide a pathway to peace and harmony.
Eminent playback singer Mohit Chauhan, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, spoke about his personal commitment to Buddhist values of compassion and non-violence. He shared his experience of running a home for over 400 stray animals and discussed his role as Mongolia’s Cultural Ambassador, fostering cultural and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia.
The festival also featured prominent actors who have portrayed Buddhist figures on screen. Gagan Malik, known for playing the lead role in Sri Siddhartha Gautam, captivated the audience with anecdotes from his experience filming the Sri Lankan epic. Adil Hussain, acclaimed for Life of Pi and The Reluctant Fundamentalist, spoke about how the characters he has portrayed have profoundly influenced his own perspective on life and spirituality.
In his welcome address, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of IBC, reflected on cinema’s ability to shape ideologies and expand awareness. Director General of IBC, Abhijit Halder, provided insights into the festival’s selection of films, which included a mix of classical Buddhist cinema and contemporary works such as The Cup, Geshe Ma is Born, The Kung Fu Nuns, Path of Compassion, and Guru Padmasambhava. The legendary documentary on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Until Space Remains, was also screened in honor of his landmark birthday year.
The festival also hosted four panel discussions featuring academicians, filmmakers, social media influencers, and actors, covering challenges in producing Buddhist-themed films and the role of mindful communication in media. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Buddhist monks and nuns from various institutions, as well as students from the Indian Institute of Mass Communications and Gautam Buddha University.
With an overwhelming response from attendees, the BODHIPATH Film Festival successfully highlighted cinema’s role as a bridge between spiritual teachings and modern storytelling, reaffirming its potential to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
