Chenrezig. The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia film

>>>You can help to preserve history<<<

“Chenrezig. The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia” documentary film

The film is based on the history of the Chenrezig Institute for Wisdom Culture and explores how Tibetan Buddhism moved from Tibet to the western world. My intention is to show the dynamics of this process and challenges faced through personal stories of the people involved in the creation of the Chenrezig Institute, the first center of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa in the West.

Main speakers: Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim, Kathy Vichta, Tom Vichta, Ven. Ailsa, Ven. Pende, Colin Crosbie, Garrey Foulkes and others. Length of the film: approximately 60 minutes. The film will include archival materials (photos, videos, interviews with Lama Yeshe) taken from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive and Chenrezig Institute Archives

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The Film Director on the Film

About filmmaker

My name is Małgorzata Dobrowolska. I am an independent documentary filmmaker following my spiritual journey. I deeply believe that the key to achieving world peace is to bring about change on a spiritual level. This is my motivation to create films. My last award-winning documentary “Bhikkhuni – Buddhism, Sri Lanka, Revolution” explores the revival of women’s ordination in Theravāda Buddhism.

In June 2019, I left my home country of Poland in order to travel and make films. A few days later, I arrived at Chenrezig Institute, a Buddhist retreat and study center nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia. I came for a few months and... I stayed for exactly 4 years! I recall my stay at CI very warmly. I learned so much, and I am feeling very grateful for this. It was the adventure of my life.

My motivation to create "Chenrezig. The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia" documentary film

Two months after arriving at Chenrezig Institute, I strongly felt the importance of creating a documentary film about the center's origin. After sharing my idea with the CI community, I realized its significance to others as well. Encouraged and supported by the community, I have been working on the film since then.

Chenrezig: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia – Short Film, Trailer

The main goals of “Chenrezig. The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia” documentary film

1. To preserve history

Chenrezig Institute is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist centers in the Western world. Documenting its history through a film ensures the preservation of its cultural and spiritual heritage for future generations.

2. To honour the founding teachers

Through interviews with long term students, the documentary explores how Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche's vision and leadership were instrumental in the establishment of the institute, showcasing their profound impact on the spiritual development of individuals and the whole community.

3. To inspire

The film shows how a group of young hippies dedicated their lives to spreading the dharma and how Buddhist teachings changed their lives. I deeply believe that these personal stories can inspire others.

My life at Chenrezig Institute

For 4 years I was deeply involved in living and helping at the centre. My service to the centre began by helping out in the kitchen. When Covid changed the world in March 2020 I had the privilege and opportunity to use my technical skills and background to establish an in-house multimedia team to livestream teachings and special events, not just locally and regionally, but beyond Australia. My role in the set up and growth of our online platform brings me great joy, as it is helping take dharma teachings beyond the gompa. It has been an incredible honour to contribute to Chenrezig Institute this way and work closely with sangha.

During all these 4 years, I also worked on the documentary film "Chenrezig. The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia."

I interviewed many people connected with the Chenrezig Institute, including early-day students who started the center, sangha, volunteers, and visitors. I also recorded the rich daily life at the center, a thriving monastic community with a resident Tibetan Buddhist teacher and a Western sangha.

I am the producer, director, scriptwriter, cinematographer, and editor of the film.

Where will the film be available once it is completed?

After screenings in cinemas and at film festivals all over the world, the film will be available online. The goal is also to make the film available in public libraries and universities.

>>>You can help to make it happen!<<<

Now that I have so much footage, I want to focus on editing the film and then promoting it. To do this, I need your help.

Your donations will help me cover the film production costs:

Please support this campaign by donating and sharing with your friends to help bring the documentary to life!

Thank you for your help.

>>>Promote Your Brand – Become a Film Sponsor!<<<

Support the creation of "Chenrezig: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia" and showcase your company as a valued sponsor.

With a donation of $1000 AUD or more:

Join us in sharing this meaningful story while promoting your business to a wider audience.

Thank you.

Malgorzata Dobrowolska

Photo on the graphic: Lama Zopa Rinpoche with kangaroo in Adelaide, Australia, 1983. Photo taken or donated by Wendy Finster. Photo from Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

Chenrezig: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia – Short Film