Khashyar | September 30, 2011

ROME, ITALY – In a recent film review, the prestigious Italian film magazine ‘FilmTV’ called the ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ documentary film “an Illuminating document,” in a Spring 2011 issue of their magazine.

They describe the personal transformation that occurs in the film as being “the journey of a group of eminent scholars and writers to the place of spiritual leadership in India [which] becomes a metaphor for a journey within oneself.”

‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ (which is narrated by Harrison Ford) was released with Italian subtitles in Italy in the Spring of 2011, and has been released in several other countries and languages, including in German, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, English and other languages.

It is the winner of 12 awards, and is the official selection of over 40 international film festivals.

Bob Graham of the ‘San Francisco Bay Times’ calls the film “an extraordinary portrait of His Holiness at work… [the film includes] some of the best comic scenes in any new film out there right now.”

The DVD of ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ is available on the film’s website: www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

The Italian release of the film includes a booklet with interviews with Director Khashyar Darvich and other information.

The following is the Italian and English text of the FilmTV review:

ENGLISH (Google Translation):

Alternative Visions

Born with a purpose ambitious project Macroticonzero young home video publisher that aims to tell, in the series documentary conscious, new styles of life and thought.
Garde to the mystical, from ecology to new technologies, it outlines an interdisciplinary journey in achieving the synthesis has the potential for unexpected change, unprecedented.
Synthesis is an encounter of opposites, the fusion of contrasting perspectives, openness to sharing. It is the thread that ties the stories shown in the documentary Macroticonzero. As in Dalai Lama Renaissance, where the journey of a group of eminent scholars and writers to the place of spiritual leadership in India becomes a metaphor for a journey within oneself, one’s own culture and their faith. The result is a confrontation / clash between selfishness and narrowness of vision “Western” requires the involvement of Eastern wisdom, the irony of a man able to experience a genuine feeling of compassion for their fellow humans, making them rediscover the disruptive revolutionary charge. And the real antidote to the conditions of existential malaise that go under the name of greed, fear and indifference, becomes the change in perspective, the ability to go beyond the mere sphere of the individual to feel part of humanity that becomes a whole, real synthesis of its constituent parts. A document illuminating.

*****

ITALIAN Language:

Visioni Alternative

Nasce con un fine ambizioso il progetto di Macroticonzero, giovane casa video editrice che si propone di raccontare, nella collana documentaristica Ecoscienze, nuovi stili di vita e di pensiero.
Dall’avanguardia alla mistica, dall’ecologia alle nuove tecnologie, si delinea un viaggio interdisciplinare che ha nel raggiungimento della sintesi un potenziale di cambiamento inaspettato, senza precedenti.
Sintesi è incontro degli opposti, fusione di prospettive contrastanti, apertura alla condivisione. Ed è il filo rosso che lega le storie mostrate nei documentari di Macroticonzero. Come in Dalai Lama Renaissance, dove il viaggio di un gruppo di eminenti studiosi e letterati verso la sede della guida spirituale in India diventa metafora di un viaggio all’interno di se stessi, della propria cultura e della propria fede. Ne deriva un confronto/scontro che tra egoismi e ristrettezza di visioni “all’occidentale” necessita dell’intervento della saggezza orientale, dell’ironia di un uomo in grado di provare un genuino sentimento di compassione per i propri simili, facendone riscoprire la dirompente carica rivoluzionaria. E il vero antidoto alle condizioni di malessere esistenziale che vanno sotto il nome di avidità, paura e indifferenza diventa il mutamento di prospettiva, la capacità di andare oltre la mera sfera individuale per sentirsi parte di un’umanità che diventa un tutto, reale sintesi delle parti che la costituiscono. Un documento illuminante.

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Khashyar | July 12, 2010

German Press Reviews of ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ Documentary Film:

It is interesting to read what International newspapers and film critics write about “Dalai Lama Renaissance.”

For example, the major newspapers in Taiwan gave the film overwhelmingly positive reviews:

“The film rapidly grabs hold of you… There is plenty of humor… [a] top-notch comedy… A journey of self-discovery… The lessons of Dalai Lama Renaissance apply just as much to the audience watching this insightful documentary”

- Ian Bartholomew – Taipei Times, Taiwan (review)

***

“A memorable gathering of elites… an inspiring documentary which depicts the Dalai Lama philosophy of peace… Full of meaning… Powerful.”

- Li Zhao Yang – Pots Newspaper, Taiwan

***

“A big spiritual harvest for everyone.”

- Qiu Zu – China Times

***

“No empty seat at the premiere of the documentary ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance… The Taipei premiere has attracted a full house and many people were touched after watching the film.”

- FTV Television, Taiwan

***

“Dalai Lama Renaissance is full of historical significance… [Harrison] Ford’s strong, deep voice adds much color to the documentary”

- Zou Nian Zu – Liberty Times Newspaper, Taiwan

Here are some reviews of “Dalai Lama Renaissance” from major German and Austrian newspapers:

Stuttgarter Nachrichten:

“Freed from their daily academic work, from the comforts and consumerism, thrown into the completely different culture of India, perspectives and thought processes change. The result is an authentic picture of buddhist teachings, to the essence of which the following sentence belongs: ‘Words are bubbles of water, deeds (acts) are drops of gold.”
***

PRISMA Schwaben:

“Dalai Lama Renaissance is a wonderful and fresh perspective of the Dalai Lama and on us in the world who are socially conscious (or care).”

***

Skip.at:

“A fascinating documentary film.”

***

Hamburg PUR:

“A Discussion forum at the highest level”

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Khashyar | March 22, 2010

DALAI LAMA’S U.S. VISITS BRING ‘RENAISSANCE’

Those planning the Tibetan spiritual leader’s visits in Florida, California and Iowa also screen the documentary ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ (narrated by Harrison Ford – www.DalaiLamaFilm.com) to lay the spiritual groundwork for audiences’ transformation.

March 22, 2010

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – Over the last six months, three U.S. visits by Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual leader and 14th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, all have something in common: Their organizers have chosen to screen the award-winning documentary Dalai Lama Renaissance (narrated by Harrison Ford) prior to his arrival.

Before coming to California and Florida earlier this year, organizers of the Dalai Lama’s visits researched films about the spiritual leader. They did so to find a means of telling their communities who the Dalai Lama is and why his message is relevant to their world.

They discovered ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance,’ a documentary film that won 12 international awards and that screened in hundreds of cinemas in the United States and around the world. When ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ screened in cinemas in Taiwan in 2009, the Chinese government took notice and aim at the film in its People’s Daily newspaper. In an attempt to help prison inmates resolve inner and outer conflicts through dialog and compassion, the film’s director, Khashyar Darvich, also screened and toured with the film in prisons.

“What we found was a film that was captivating,” said Maria Santamarina, Diversity Officer at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Ratón. “It gave us a personal glimpse of the Dalai Lama and his perspective on the transformation needed in the world right now.” The film screened Feb. 17 and 23, 2010, in anticipation of the Feb. 24 visit by the Dalai Lama.

Santamarina said a colleague referred her to the film, which she found online at DalaiLamaFilm.com. On the other hand, Pema Choden, president of the Tibetan Association of Southern California, first became familiar with Dalai Lama Renaissance when she met the film’s producer/director Khashyar Darvich at a celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 74th birthday.

“I saw the film shortly after meeting Khashyar,” said Choden, “and I felt that it was appropriate to screen during His Holiness’ teachings in Long Beach last September. The film captured the Dalai Lama’s ability to humble people in such a way that no matter who they are, their egos fly out the window.”

Erin Wheat, Program Coordinator for Campus Activities at the University of Northern Iowa, discovered the film online while doing research. She found it in time to plan a screening prior to the Dalai Lama’s May 18, 2010, visit to Cedar Falls.

“We chose to screen Dalai Lama Renaissance because of its content related to His Holiness’ visit in May,” Wheat said. “With so many concerns that people have in our country and in the world – the economy, wars, natural disasters – we felt that his message of peace would set the right tone for his visit,” she said. “We also felt it would be great to have a question and answer session with the producer/director Khashyar Darvich to expand on that message and to share details of how the film was made.”

Santamarina said the Florida screening featured a Q & A with Darvich, who related not only his experiences of shooting the film in remote Dharmsala, India, and editing more than 140 hours of footage, but also told about his personal transformation that took place in the process. She said Darvich spoke of how he meditated and prayed for guidance in editing the film.

“The audience was obviously moved and soulful,” Santamarina said. “There was active participation by the audience members who were extremely engaged, curious and responsive.” Pema Choden had a similar experience with the California screening.

“The response from the audience was extremely gracious,” she said. “Many who attended were so inspired by the film that they wanted to take home a copy on DVD to see it again or to share with loved ones.”

Erin Wheat said she believes that screening Dalai Lama Renaissance and engaging the community in a discussion about the film through a Q & A with Darvich will provide a needed transition for the community toward assurance that spiritual answers and self-reflection can solve many problems.

“This transition will set the stage for the Dalai Lama to present his message of peace and offer his wisdom based on more than 60 years of spiritual leadership,” she said.

Choden added that the film captures the Dalai Lama’s ability to inspire people to be the best human beings that they can be.

“The theme of the film and the teachings of the Dalai Lama are extremely relevant today because both focus on the essence of compassion and altruism,” she said. Maria Santamarina agrees.

“Screening Dalai Lama Renaissance for our community provided a beautiful segue to the Dalai Lama’s visit because the film deals with the transformation of 40 intellectuals who visit with him to discuss changes that need to be made in our world,” she said.  “Nothing else could be more relevant and transforming today.”

—

Dalai Lama Renaissance, narrated by Harrison Ford, was produced by Khashyar Darvich and Wakan Films. To view trailers, schedule a screening or to purchase the film on DVD, visit www.DalaiLamaFilm.com.

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Khashyar | August 2, 2009

Recent press review quotes for “Dalai Lama Renaissance”:

“Dalai Lama Renaissance is an interesting portrayal of human ego pitted against compassion and altruism, exemplifying the very essence of the issues facing the world today.” – Todd Mayville, Elephant Journal

“Fire up this DVD and prepare to be amazed… The film has a certain persuasive power… Hilarious.”  – Ross Robertson, EnlightenNext Magazine

“A powerful cinematic documentary… A very moving documentary… unexpected and powerful… Long after it ends, the totality of the documentary lingers, as one contemplates the fact that, if every human being decides to act in the best interest of human kind, we can change the world.”   -Stan Robinson, Screen Scene/Arizona Weekly

“The film rapidly grabs hold of you… There is plenty of humor… [a] top-notch comedy… A journey of self-discovery… The lessons of Dalai Lama Renaissance apply just as much to the audience watching this insightful documentary” – Ian Bartholomew, Taipei Times

“Saw a great documentary on dvd the other night, ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance.’ If you haven’t seen it, you should.’   – SeriousChedder.com

“A memorable gathering of elites…  an inspiring documentary which depicts the Dalai Lama philosophy of peace… Full of meaning… Powerful.”   Li Zhao Yang, Pots Newspaper – Taiwan

“A big spiritual harvest for everyone…”  – Qiu Zu, China Times, Taiwan

“No empty seat at the premiere of the documentary ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance… The Taipei premiere has attracted a full house and many people were touched after watching the film.” – FTV Television, Taiwan

“Dalai Lama Renaissance is full of historical significance… [Harrison] Ford’s strong, deep voice adds much color to the documentary” – Zou Nian Zu , Liberty Times Newspaper, Taiwan

“HARRISON FORD SKIS WITH THE DALAI LAMA: Harrison Ford, Jackson Hole’s favorite ski son, is riding the chairlift with the Dalai Lama as Harrison is narrating the new film ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance.’  The film premiered in Taiwan and got rave reviews from the Taiwanese Press.  China was immediately critical of the film and of the West’s depiction of what has been going on in Tibet. The producer/director Khashyar Darvich has offered to do a screening of the film in China with a question and answer session afterwards.  No word on when China offered Khashyar to ski off of steep cliff or to go shush himself in response.” – The Ski Channel Television Network

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Khashyar | January 10, 2009

Cleveland Museum of Art Hosts First-run Film Fridays

CLEVELAND, OH.- The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) has the recipe to spice up your date-nights this winter. Each Friday night, from January through mid-March, CMA will host the Cleveland-area premiere of a new international film – 11 movies in all. The film series offers something for everyone with topics ranging from a famous football game to an infamous plane crash, and genres spanning comedy to documentary. Most of the films will repeat on Sunday afternoons.

In January, a director with a Cleveland-connection joins the museum to host the premiere of his new documentary. Khashyar Darvich, a Baldwin Wallace alum, will present his film, Dalai Lama Renaissance, and will answer audience questions after the screening. The documentary, narrated by Harrison Ford, chronicles a recent gathering of the Dalai Lama and 40 of the world’s most innovative thinkers as they ponder answers to the world’s problems.

(from: http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=27815)

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Khashyar | January 10, 2009

Arts and Entertainment
Best Bets
By The Denver Post

Film

Sunday-Wednesday. Documentary. Director Khashyar Darvich’s well-traveled, festival-circuit fave “Dalai Lama Renaissance” begins a four-evening run at the Oriental Theater starting Sunday. Narrated by Harrison Ford, the documentary follows the journey of 40 scholars, scientists, artists as they head to Dharmasala to meet with the Tibetan holy man. Deep intentions don’t save the confab from some very human tensions. 7 p.m. $10. Oriental Theater at 4335 W. 44th Ave, 303-455-2124. theorientaltheater.com. Lisa Kennedy

from: http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11403046

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