Dharma and the Art of Cinema with Gopala Krishna Annam
A Film Appreciation workshop, and an exploration of the filmography of International Award Winning Film-Maker Khyentse Norbu Rinpoche.
21-23 March, 2025
Deer Park Institute, Bir, Himachal Pradesh
An immersive three-day Film Appreciation Workshop, where we explore the art of Cinema, dissect storytelling, and understand the aspects of cinematic craft by watching, analyzing and discussing six films – all of which are directed by filmmaker and Buddhist Lama – Khyentse Norbu Rinpoche.
If the idea of immersing yourself in cinema and cinema-related discussions, connecting with fellow cinephiles over learning activities and exercises – in a beautiful campus of a repurposed Monastery in the Himalayas – appeals to you, we invite you to join our workshop. No prior experience with films or filmmaking is necessary.
The Dharma
The films of Khyentse Rinpoche offer a unique perspective on how the art of filmmaking can convey deep spiritual truths, mindfulness, and the essence of human experience. In this workshop, we will journey through his cinematic works, examining the intricate ways in which the themes of compassion, impermanence, and self-awareness are woven into storytelling. By exploring these films, we hope to deepen our understanding of both Dharma and the transformative power of cinema, inviting participants to reflect on how art can illuminate the path to transformation and offer insights into the human condition.
The Art of Cinema
The Workshop offers an immersive learning experience into the art of watching and analyzing films. Through guided discussions and analysis, participants learn to critically engage with films, examining aspects like plot, character development, themes, narrative structure, and visual style. Whether you’re a casual film aficionado or a passionate filmmaker, this workshop offers tools to better appreciate the films you watch, fostering a deeper understanding of the art and craft of Cinema.
Program Cost :
In keeping with the spirit of intent at the Deer Park Institute, the program is offered on a Donation basis. If the participants prefer to stay at the Deer Park Institute and/or avail of the food at the Institute Canteen, they can pay for the same to the Deer Park Institute at actuals.
Accommodation :
Accommodation can be booked at the Deer Park Institute (subject to availability). You can reach out to info@deerpark.in to enquire about the available options for accommodation and their prices.
www.deerpark.in
DAILY SCHEDULE
9am – 10:30am: SESSION#1
10:30am – 11am: Tea Break
11 am – 12 pm: SESSION#2
12 pm – 2 pm: Lunch Break
2 pm – 4 pm: FILM SCREENING#1
4 pm – 4:30 pm: Tea Break
4:30 pm – 6 pm: DISCUSSIONS
6 pm -7 pm: Dinner
7 pm – 9 pm: FILM SCREENING#2
9 pm -10 pm: DISCUSSIONS
*The daily film screenings at 2 pm and 7 pm on all three days are open to everyone and can be attended by non-workshop participants as well. No prior registration is necessary to attend the film screenings.
*For participants of the Film Appreciation Workshop, attending all screenings, sessions and discussions is mandatory.
Please Note:
1) Audience will not be allowed into the movie hall after the movie commences. Participants are requested to be present in their seats five minutes before the screening time, as the doors will be shut once the film screening starts.
2) Anyone leaving the theatre in the middle of screening will not be allowed back for the remaining part of the movie.
3) Participants will keep their mobile phones turned off for the duration of the film screening.
SCHEDULE OF THE FILM SCREENINGS :
FRIDAY
2 pm – 4 pm: VARA: A BLESSING (2013)
7 pm – 9 pm: THE CUP (1999)
SATURDAY
2 pm – 4 pm: HEMA HEMA (2017)
7 pm – 9 pm: TRAVELERS AND MAGICIANS (2003)
SUNDAY
2 pm – 4 pm: LOOKING FOR A LADY WITH FANGS & MOUSTACHE (2019)
7 pm – 9 pm: PIG AT THE CROSSING (2024)
About the Film Maker and the Films.
Khyentse Norbu Rinpoche is a Bhutanese Lama, filmmaker, and writer. He has directed six major films so far. He is also the author of several published books such as What Makes You Not a Buddhist, Not For Happiness: A Guide to the So-Called Preliminary Practices, The Guru Drinks Bourbon?, Living is Dying, and several non-fiction works on Tibetan Buddhism.
Rinpoche wrote and directed his first award-winning film The Cup (1999) which won 6 international film awards and was nominated for three more. The New York Times, in its review of the film, called him “a born filmmaker;”
His second film, Travellers and Magicians (2003), has the distinction of being the first feature film to be produced in Bhutan.
His next film Vara: A Blessing (2013) opened South Korea’s famed Busan International Film Festival. It was the first time that the South Korean festival has not opened with either a local Korean or a Chinese film.
Hema Hema: Sing Me A Song While I Wait (2016) premiered at the Locarno Festival in 2016, and received an honorable mention from the Platform Prize jury at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.
Looking for a Lady With Fangs and a Moustache (2019), tells the story of a skeptical entrepreneur seeking spiritual advice from an eccentric Buddhist monk who predicts the man’s imminent death unless he can locate an elusive lady with fangs.
His latest film, Pig at the Crossing (2024), follows Dolom, a 29-year-old YouTube creator and new teacher in Bhutan.
About the Facilitator :
Gopala Krishna is a filmmaker based in the Western Himalayas and is the founder of Himalayan Film School and Founder, and Festival Director of the Mussoorie International Film Festival, currently in its third edition this year. He studied for his Masters in Communications from MICA, Ahmedabad, and has several years of work experience as an Assistant Director in the film industries of Bombay and Hyderabad.
To register for the workshop, please fill in the following form.
www.tinyurl.com/rinpochecinema
Contact :
himalayanfilmschool@gmail.com
Instagram: @himalayanfilmschool
+91 7895495379 (WhatsApp messages only)