USA | 2018   

70 mins  

PG13: Some Mature Content

Multiple languages with English subtitles

Directed by Marc Wennberg

*There will be a post-screening discussion with the film director at the end of the Premiere

**After the Premiere, the film continues to be available for online viewing until 13 September 2020, 11:59pm.

PRECIOUS GURU is a feature length documentary movie that gives vivid insight into the life, times and legacy of Padmasambhava – the 8th century Indian yogi who carried Buddhism over the Himalayas into Tibet.  Beneath the tales of his fabulous exploits lies a radically relevant truth – the darker the times, the greater the potential for transformation.

The story unfolds against a backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and vast landscapes, and told through the voices of people from three continents. The voices that tell his story include Tibetan monastics and lay people encountered by the production team on their Himalayan travels, as well as accomplished lamas like Mingyur Rinpoche, western Buddhist teachers like Lama Tsultrim Allione, Lama Glenn Mullin and Professor Robert Thurman.

PRECIOUS GURU is a tribute to the resonance of Padmasambhava’s realisation, which is still a vibrant reality for many thousands of people today. 

I am fascinated by Guru Rinpoche. He kept surfacing in my life and I wanted to know more about him. What began as a personal exploration ended up as a film.

In 2013, I travelled with seven people more than 15,000 miles through the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and also Mongolia. There were many challenges along the way, but we persevered and were blessed to have Ronen Schechner with us. He’s an exceptionally talented cinematographer.

We’ve received donations from more than 500 individuals across 40 countries and we’ve heard from many supporters who believe that Guru Rinpoche’s story and message is the right medicine for these dark times.

• Official Selection, Buddhafest, 2020

• Official Selection, Buddhist Arts and Film Festival, Boulder, Colorado, 2020

• Official Selection, Kanab Film Festival, 2020

• Official Selection, Vermont International Film Festival, Burlington, Vermont, 2019