10 Questions for the Dalai Lama

In 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama cinematographer/writer/director Rick Ray (Raise the Bamboo Curtain; The Soul of India) masterfully weaves the spiritual and historical to produce an illuminating portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Filmed at his place of exile, a modest Buddhist monastery in Dharamsala, India, 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama includes rare archival footage of the Dalai Lama's youth, the Chinese invasion and the consequential struggle. Since receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 the Tibetan leader has become known on the international stage as the 'rock star of peace', advocating environmentalism, women's rights, promoting compassion and tolerance and, most notably, a peaceful resolution to the struggle for Tibetan independence. The interview encompasses issues of Tibet's conflicted political history with China, democracy, freedom of speech, globalisation and modernity, raising such questions as: How do you reconcile a commitment to non-violence when faced with violence? Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose its traditions in order to move into the future? The film is also charmed by the spiritual leader's personality revealing a jovial, charismatic, relentlessly curious and wise man. 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama combines Ray's personal journey and observations, historical analysis and biography, rare footage supplied by individuals who at great personal risk used hidden cameras to film within Tibet with a musical score from Grammy-nominated composer Peter Kater. 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama is a captivating documentary about one of the most inspirational political and spiritual leaders of our time.