The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Dalai Lama’s Foundation for Universal Responsibility are hosting the Bodhipath Film Festival in New Delhi, bringing together cinema and spirituality in a unique convergence of artistic expression and Buddhist teachings. The festival began on 10 March and has a second day today.
The festival showcases films that encapsulate the essence of the Buddhadharma, offering audiences a reflective experience on the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in contemporary life. Through visual storytelling, the event is aimed at deepening understandings of spirituality while emphasizing the continued relevance of the Buddhist teachings in an ever-changing world.
The director of Tibet House, Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, underscored the educational value of cinema, noting its ability to engage audiences through both sight and sound: “People should be educated, and that education can be delivered visually and auditorily, primarily through these two mediums. Cinema, in particular, plays a great role because, while it is entertaining on the surface, it conveys a deeper message.” (The Tribune)
The festival extended beyond film screenings to include panel discussions featuring prominent scholars, filmmakers, and practitioners. These discussions explored the intersection of the Buddhist teachings and modern cinema, emphasizing the role of storytelling in promoting mindfulness, peace, and the connection between tradition and contemporary filmmaking.
Actor Gagan Malik highlighted the importance of meditation in achieving mindfulness, stating that it can enhance inner strength and awareness. “To achieve mindfulness, meditation is essential. It provides inner strength and enhances awareness of the mind,” he said. “Regardless of whether you are an artist or belong to any other profession, meditation plays a significant role in making you a better human being.” (The Tribune)
Renowned singer Mohit Chauhan spoke about the intrinsic relationship between music and spirituality: “Many things are expressed through sound, and music is a prime example. It can be vocal or instrumental. A lot of Indian spiritual music shares similar symbolism and expression with Buddhist music. Although spirituality remains the same in both cultures, Buddhism originated in India, which is why they have many similarities.” (The Tribune)
The festival further emphasized the evolution of communication in the transmission of the Buddhist teachings. IBC Director General Abhijit Halder reflected on how the Buddha’s message has been shared over the years:
The Buddha firmly believed that the message of his enlightenment should be passed on to people. During his time, the only way to share messages was verbally, as there were no written scripts. However, the system of communication has evolved over the ages. Today, we have numerous platforms, including OTT services and various social media channels. Over time, communication mediums have expanded significantly, and we are utilizing every possible channel to spread his message to a larger audience. The Bodhipath Film Festival is a part of this effort. (The Tribune)
Films screened at the festival include: The Cup (2011), directed by Khyentse Norbu; Geshe Ma is Born (2019), directed by Malati Rao; and Nalanda – A Journey Through Time (2024), directed by Surinder Talwar.
With its selection of films and thought-provoking discussions, the Bodhipath Film Festival 2025 was intended to emerge as a significant event, drawing together the global Buddhist community and cinema enthusiasts by highlighting the role of film as a medium for conveying Buddhist wisdom, fostering mindfulness, and promoting artistic expression within a contemporary framework. The full festival program can be downloaded here.
See more
Bodhipath Film Festival 2025 illuminates Buddhist teachings (The Tribune)
IBS organises The Bodhipath Film Festival in New Delhi to celebrate Buddhist teachings via cinema (The Print)
Bodhipath Film Festival 2025 Illuminates Buddhist Teachings (NDTV)
IBC to Organise “The Bodhipath Film Festival” (Ministry of Culture)
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