Richard Gere and director Oren Moverman have signed on as an executive producers on “Wisdom of Happiness,” a new documentary about Dalai Lama.
Directed by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, “Wisdom of Happiness” features the Dalai Lama, 89, speaking directly to the camera about the universal quest for inner peace and happiness and the potential for a peaceful and happy 21st century.
“This is a small movie that can have a big impact on the future,” says Gere, a longtime student and friend of the Dalai Lama.
Moverman adds: “As a filmmaker I am deeply grateful for the invitation to join this truly unique movie that so beautifully paints loving kindness into a pictorial landscape.Gifting the audience a viewing experience like no other, ‘Wisdom of Happiness’ celebrates our common humanity by way of a wise and surprisingly entertaining messenger.”
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Currently in production, the documentary is set for a fourth-quarter release. Ascot Elite and X Film Verleih have acquired all rights for distribution in German-speaking territories. Filmmakers are seeking U.S. distribution.
In addition to an interview with the Dalai Lama, “Wisdom of Happiness” will feature unpublished and newly restored archival footage from the Tibetan government archives to tell the story of the 14th Dalai Lama, born Tenzin Gyatso, who officially became the spiritual leader of Tibet at age 4 in 1940.
In the film, the Dalai Lama reflects on balancing millennia-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions with contemporary values of our globalized society. The exiled religious and political leader of Tibet was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent campaign to end the Chinese domination of Tibet.
“Never before has the Nobel Peace Prize winner been seen so up-close and personal in a film,” says Miller.
Producer Philip Delaquis says that the film highlights the Dalai Lama’s relevance in contemporary times, particularly in addressing global crises such as war and climate change. “Our motivation for making the film was to help as many people around the world as possible navigate the challenges of our times, and counter fear and insecurity with positive emotions so we may show solidarity and demonstrate hope,” Delaquis says.
Supported by private Swiss funding, the doc was shot by cameraman Manuel Bauer and a scored by composer Ariel Marx.
Vienna based sales company, Autlook Filmsales, is handling international sales and will screen the docto international buyers in September.
