Wide range of culture, heritage and participation of delegates around the world, makes the fest truely international
Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh-Ladakh, along with Nav Nalanda Maha Vihar University, Bihar, Ashoka Mission Delhi and the Tourism Ministry of J&K organised an International Buddhist Film Festival at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra Leh here today. It’s part of the ongoing International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh. The objective of the festival is to promote an understanding and appreciation of the diverse ethnic culture of different parts and tribal communities of Ladakh, its ancient and vibrant Buddhist heritage, art and philosophy of Buddhism with the help of talks by eminent masters and scholars.
Inaugurating the film festival this morning, Mr Rigzin Spalbar, chairman, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, said, “I feel proud and blessed to be a part of this heritage festival. We will provide all possible support to MIMC whenever needed.”
Adding to this Dr Victor Wee, chairman, Tourism Promotion Board, Malaysia said “This festival is a milestone and will be considered an important step to promote tourism in Ladakh and Buddhist society as a whole.”
The two-day film festival will witness screening of different films showcasing Buddhism, its philosophy and universal human values through the cinematic experience. After the screening of the films, an interaction session of the audience with the film makers took place. Few of the prominent films screened today were ‘The Second Buddha’ directed by Benoy Behl and ‘Religious Linkages between Bhutan & Ladakh’ directed by Ramesh Sharma and ‘Peace is Everything’ by Gaetano Hazuo Naida among others.
Speaking on the inaugural ceremony, Meeta Vashistha, actor and social activist said “One should make films according to his own wisdom and not by other’s mind. A film is considered to be a highly entertaiment medium and one has to come up with own references and ideas. I will try and provide the best support to the young Ladakhi film makers on making good films.”
Also present on the occassion were film critic Ms Aruna Vasudev, Bharat Natyam dancer Pratibha Prahlad, and dignitories from various countries, including ministers, monks and scholars.
Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) has done its best to preserve the culture, heritage of Ladakh and beautiful landscapes around. MIMC has made Buddhism a living tradition and promoting Leh as a tourist destibation by its warm hospitality.
