A Film Crew Member’s Experience during the Oregon Prison Screening of the Dalai Lama Renaissance Film

| September 17, 2010

Dalai Lama Renaissance Crew Member Leo D speaks with Director Khashyar Darvich during filming of a Dalai Lama Prison Film
My Experience of the Screening of the Dalai Lama Renaissance Film at a Prison in Oregon

I was greatly impacted by my experience after attending the screening of the Dalai Lama Renaissance Film at a prison in Oregon.  Being a part of the crew which filmed the inmates response to the screening of the film and their profound personal life stories for a new film in the making by producer/director Khashyar Darvich was a profound and very touching experience for me.

In addition to the inmates insightful and heartfelt response to the screening of the film and how impacted they were by the Dalai Lama’s wisdom and teachings, their personal life stories that we filmed impacted me greatly.  During the one-on-one interviews, hearing the absolute truth and honesty of these men was a humbling experience to me which I felt privileged to be a part of.  One inmate spoke in detail of how he murdered his friend with his bare hands when he was in his late teens.  Another spoke in detail of his experience of beating a man so severely over a business dispute.  While filming these individuals, raw truth poured out of their eyes.  I was so impacted by the deep humanness behind their words when they spoke.  Their voices echoed the truth of their heart and the pain in their soul.  However, their stories also showed a beauty of transformation deep in their being.

Despite the horror of their experiences, these individuals shared the amazing transformation that took place deep within them.  These men shared the individual life stories of their crime and how they were able to find themselves and the peace within through deep introspection and meditation after being in prison for 15, 20, or 25 years, a peace that pulsated with absolute truth.  They are not the same man that committed the crime, and most importantly they experience that they were never that man when the crime was committed.  They were teachers to us all who were present.  After returning from the first filming at the prison, I explained to my friends that these men today are more sane than many people out in the real world.  I saw this and experienced it with my own eyes.

Leo (Los Angeles, CA)

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Australian Dalai Lama Renaissance Film and Director Q&A tour – 11 dates so far

| September 13, 2010

Dalai Lama Film and Director travel to Australia for film tour

The Dalai Lama Renaissance Film (narrated by Harrison Ford), and Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich, are headed to Australia for a 5 week tour from Nov 26 - Dec 23.

Hello Everyone,

I just learned that there have been 11 screenings and Director Q&A’s that have been scheduled so far for the Australian ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ film tour, from Nov 26 through Dec 23.

We expect additional dates to be scheduled soon, and I will add more details as I have them.

I am pleased that the film, which is narrated by Harrison Ford and of course features the Dalai Lama, will be soon shared with Australian audiences.

I will try to get some rest while I am in Australia, but… attending each screening, and speaking with audiences afterwards about their personal experience of the transformation illustrated in the film, is more important than laying in the sun on an Australian beach  :)

Although I will try to find a couple of days, and time within each day, to explore Sydney, Melbourne and Sydney a bit.

Here are the dates of the Australian Tour so far:

11/26/2010   Blue Mountains, NSW

11/27/2010     Manly Cinema Manly, Sydney

11/28/2010     Empire Cinema Bowral, NSW

12/2/2010 6.30pm   Chauvel Cinema Cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd, Paddington, Sydney

12/3/2010     Yoga In Daily Life Annandale, Sydney

12/5/2010 3.00pm   Vajrayana Institute 9 Victoria Square Ashfield, Sydney

12/8/2010 6.30pm   Palace Kino 45 Collins Street, Melbourne

12/11/2010     Yoga In Daily Life Melbourne

12/14/2010 6.30pm   Palace Centro 39 James Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

12/17/2010     Chenrezig Sunshine Coast, Queensland

12/18/2010     Yoga In Daily Life Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

*(more dates, and details, to be added soon)

‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ also features Quantum Physicists Fred Alan Wolf (from the ‘Secret’ and ‘What the Bleep Do We Know’) and Amit Goswami (‘the Quantum Activist’ and ‘What the Bleep Do We Know’), Michael Beckwith (from ‘The Secret’), Thom Hartmann (‘Air America’ Radio), and other prominent thinkers.

I look forward to meeting all of our Australian friends soon,

Peace and Blessings,

Khashyar Darvich
Producer-Director
‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’
www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

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San Francisco Bay Area – Dalai Lama Renaissance Film and Director Khashyar Darvich coming to Bay Area for screenings and Director Q&A’s – Sept 11 – Oct 3

| September 8, 2010

The Dalai Lama Renaissance Film is coming to San Francisco to begin a 4 month International Tour

The Dalai Lama Renaissance Film is coming to San Francisco to begin a 4 month International Tour

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you are well.

I am leaving for San Francisco on Friday Sept 10, for screenings and Director Q&A’s of the award-winning ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ film (narrated by Harrison Ford) on:

Sept 11 – Walnut creek – Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church

Sept 15 – San Francisco – University of San Francisco

October 3 – Davis, CA – Vets Center Theater

* Additional screening and Q&A dates expected

‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ has screened in theaters in over 100 cities around the U.S., and in cinemas in countries around the world.

I would love to meet and speak with you in person if you will be in the San Francisco area.

Thank you also for letting all of your friends in San Francisco know about the screenings, and forwarding them this message.

We will be screening ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ Volumes 1 and 2, with a Director Q&A after each screening.

You can find the complete schedule, here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalai-Lama-Renaissance/34770593391?v=app_2344061033&vm=all

…or on the ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ film website, here: http://dalailamafilm.com/events

I am very grateful that there continues to be many requests for screenings of the ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ Documentary Film, and as a result, we have scheduled a 4 month tour of the film across the United States and Australia.

I have decided that I want to travel with the film, and be available to answer questions from audiences and share in discussions about my experience working with and interviewing the Dalai Lama, as well as the process of producing, directing and distributing the film in cinemas around the world, which has been a profound and spiritual journey in itself.

In commemoration of the Dalai Lama’s visit to the San Francisco area in October, we are beginning the 2010 U.S. and Australian Dalai Lama Renaissance Film Tour in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a screening and Q&A at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, CA on Sept 11.

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Dalai Lama Renaissance Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich speaks to a sold out audience of 800 at a theater in Boulder, Colorado.

Here are the current screenings and filmmaker Q&A’s on our schedule (with several more to be added soon):

Saturday, September 11

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol. 1 and 2
Where:    Walnut Creek, CA – Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church
When:    Saturday, September 11 from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Wednesday, September 15

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film
Where:    University of San Francisco (USF) – Maraschi Room, Fromm Hall
When:    Wednesday, September 15 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Sunday, October 3

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol. 1 and 2
Where:    Davis, CA – Vets Center Theater
When:    Sunday, October 3 from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Sunday, October 10

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol. 1 and 2
Where:    New Harmony, Indiana – Harmonie Haus Cinema
When:    Sunday, October 10 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sunday, October 24

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film
Where:    Bloomington, IN – Buskirk-Chumley Theater
When:    Sunday, October 24 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

AUSTRALIA:

Thursday, December 2

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film
Where:    Sydney, Australia – Chauvel Cinema
When:    Thursday, December 2 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Wednesday, December 8

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film
Where:    Melbourne, Australia – Palace Kino Cinemas
When:    Wednesday, December 8 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sunday, December 12

Film Screening and Director Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film
Where:    Brisbane, Australia – Palace Centro
When:    Sunday, December 12 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

For more information about the screenings and Film Director Q&A’s, please visit either the ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ website (www.DalaiLamaFilm.com) or the film’s Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/pages/Dalai-Lama-Renaissance/34770593391 ).

Thank you again for your kind support of the ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ Film, and for sharing this email with your friends.

Peace and Blessings,

Khashyar Darvich
Producer-Director
‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’
www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

**************

Praise and Reviews for Dalai Lama Renaissance:

“SPELLBINDING . . . An uplifting cathartic journey that grips the soul. . . . An inspirational revelation for mankind . . . An everlasting awakening of the heart and mind.”

—Actress DIANNE LADD, 3-time Oscar & Emmy nominee, winner of the British Academy Award, and author of Spiraling Through the School of Life

“Yes I like your questions. . . . Certainly, your effort can make some contribution—there’s no doubt.”

—The 14th DALAI LAMA  to “DLR” Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich

“I narrated ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ because I believe His Holiness is making a positive influence in our world. For me, the film represented an opportunity to continue assisting the optimistic efforts of an extraordinary individual.”

—HARRISON FORD, actor, narrator of “Dalai Lama Renaissance”

“A provocative, even enlightening film . . . fascinating, ravishingly beautiful and sonically soothing.”

—JOHN GRIFFIN, Montreal Gazette

“Marvelous film! . . . ’Dalai Lama Renaissance’ reminds us of some most important lessons.”

—FREDERICK MARX, Co-Filmmaker of “Hoop Dreams” and Academy Award nominee

“A moving form of visual poetry. . . . Captures . . . momentous magic. Applause to the filmmakers for revealing the jewel in the lotus. . . . The film is an intimate and stirring testimony . . . . ”

—DONNA STRONG, Awareness magazine

“’Dalai Lama Renaissance’ is a fascinating and inspiring juxtaposition of human nature and transcendence.”

-—THOM HARTMANN, Air America Radio Host

“The Comedy sensation of the summer is coming soon to a theater near you, and the latest laughers from Ben Stiller, Anna Faris or Brad Pitt can’t even begin to hold a candle to it. The movie’s star? The Dalai Lama. . . . I can’t remember the last time a movie made me laugh so hard. . . . “There are scenes here every bit as comically absurd [as] ‘The Life of Brian.’ ['Dalai Lama Renaissance'] plays more like a Monty Python parody of new age workshops.”

-—RICK KISONAK, Film Threat magazine

“This is a fine film and worth seeing.”

-—JORDAN COLBURN, Hollywood Today

“An extraordinary portrait of His Holiness at work. . . . Some of the best comic scenes in any new film out there right now.”

—BOB GRAHAM, San Francisco Bay Times

“It is a stunning tour-de-force. . . . an intimate glimpse into the Dalai Lama’s life.”

—AMY WONG, LA Yoga magazine

“This film was startlingly original. . . . a revelatory documentary . . . a beautiful and fresh window on the Dalai Lama.”

-—JEAN MIYAKE DOWNEY, Kyoto Journal

“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

“’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

“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

“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, Taiwan

“It is indeed inspiring and thought provoking. . . . an interesting documentary paying tribute to a fascinating individual.”

—YNOT at the Movies

“Unexpected, heartwarming, and enlightening . . . an intimate look at the Dalai Lama’s interpersonal actions.”

—CHRISTINE BENEDETTI, Aspen Daily News

“[The] Dalai Lama film reveals more than what is on the surface. . . . 81 minutes of power struggles, flaring egos, and complete love. . . . Hilarious and sobering . . .[an] emotional wallop.”

—STINA SIEG, Glenwood Springs Post Independent (Colorado)

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Film Screening and Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Film – Bloomington, Indiana – Venue: Buskirk-Chumley Theater – October 24, 2010

| September 2, 2010

Dates of Screening: October 24, 2010

Film being screening: Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film, with Director Q&A

Screening Venue: Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Address: Screening Venue Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 East Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN  47408

Website: www.buskirkchumley.org

Contact Name: Trish Ellis

Contact Phone: 812-336-6807

Contact Email: tmbcc.kcl (at) gmail.com

Additional Details: Screening of Dalai Lama Renaissance (Vol 1), and Q&A with Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich. Screening Venue Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 East Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN  47408; Contact Name: Trish Ellis; Contact Email: tmbcc.kcl (at) gmail.com

Sponsoring Organization: TMBCC-KCL (Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Center)

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Film Screening and Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol. 1 and 2 – Davis, California – Venue: Vets Center Theater – October 03, 2010

| August 27, 2010

Dates of Screening: October 03, 2010 – 5:00 p.m.

Film being screening: Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film AND ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol 2: A Revolution of Ideas,’ with Director Q&A

Screening Venue: Vets Center Theater

Address: Screening Venue Location: Vets Center Theater, 203 E. 14th St., Davis, CA 95616

Website: www.unityofdavis.org

Contact Name: Dr. Sue Barton

Contact Phone: (530) 867-2528

Contact Email: revlarry (at) unityofdavis (dot) org

Additional Details: Screening of BOTH Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol 1 and 2, and Q&A with Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich. Screening Venue Location: Vets Center Theater, 203 E. 14th St., Davis, CA 95616; Contact Email: revlarry (at) unityofdavis (dot) org

Times:

5-6:30 D.L.R. Volume 1

6:30-7:15 Q and A with Director

7:15-8:00 Intermission

8:00-9:30 D.L.R. Volume 2
Tickets:

$20 both films and Director Q & A

$15 First film and Q & A

$10 Second film (only)

$10 students

Sponsoring Organization: Unity Center of Davis

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Film Screening and Q&A – Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film – San Francisco, California – Venue: University of San Francisco (USF) – September 15, 2010

| August 26, 2010

Dates of Screening: September 15, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.

Film being screening: Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary Film (narrated by Harrison Ford), with Director Q&A

Screening Venue: University of San Francisco (USF lower campus – Maraschi Room)

Address: Screening Venue Location: University of San Francisco; USF lower campus, Maraschi Room, Fromm Hall, Golden Gate Ave.@ Parker Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94117

Website: www.Friends-of-Tibet.org

Contact Phone: 415-264-3264

Contact Email: giovanni (at) friends-of-tibet.org

Additional Details: Screening of DLR Vol 1 and Q&A with Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich; Screening Venue Location: University of San Francisco; USF lower campus, Maraschi Room, Fromm Hall, Golden Gate Ave.@ Parker Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94117; Contact: Giovanni Vassallo; Contact Phone: 415-264-3264; Website: www.Friends-of-Tibet.org; Contact Email: giovanni (at) friends-of-tibet.org; Screening Sponsors: Bay Area Friends of Tibet & USF’s Prof. John Nelson

$10 suggested donation

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