THE MEDICINE BUDDHA
Sun 26 Sep | 10am
Wed 29 Sep | 6.45pm
Online Films:
From 26 Sep 10am to 8 Oct 11.59pm
Single Cinema Ticket: $13
Online Pass: Watch 8 films online for $26
Prices exclude SISTIC booking fees
SINGAPORE PREMIERE
United Kingdom | 2018 | 110 min | PG
Mongolian with English subtitles
Directed by Benjamin Johns
Narrated by Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley, this documentary is a cinematic portrait of Mongolia’s national treasure, Khamba Lama Natsagdorj. He is the Head Lama at the Manba Datsan Monastery of The Medicine Buddha in Mongolia and the Chief Medical Doctor at The Medical Training Centre of Mongolian Medicine in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He treats patients around the world with traditional Mongolian herbal medicine.
Faith and science are elegantly reconciled as viewers are immersed in the Lama’s eclectic, relentless humanitarian efforts. This depiction of the Lama’s life of focused charity is an inspirational journey through his homeland.
THE MEDICINE BUDDHA is a beautifully shot cinematic journey capturing the wonder of the stunning landscapes of Mongolia, accompanied by an evocative score from leading Mongolian composer, Erdenebat Baatar Erkaau.
Sun 26 Sep | 10am
Wed 29 Sep | 6.45pm
Available online:
From 26 Sep 10am to 8 Oct 11.59pm
Single Cinema Ticket: $13
Online Pass: Watch 8 films online for $26
Prices exclude SISTIC booking fees
Post-Screening Dialogue
with director Benjamin Johns
DIRECTOR’S BIO
Born in the UK in 1975, Benjamin Johns is devoted to telling strong powerful stories often of the unheard voices both from the real world and fiction.
In 2003 Benjamin was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award for Candy Bar Kid. It screened at more than 150 festivals, including Edinburgh, Toronto, Venice and Tokyo.
Benjamin’s first feature film Traveller (2014) is a gritty British drama about a young man who is half gypsy and needs to find out who he is, shot on location in rural Dorset.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
THE MEDICINE BUDDHA was a very challenging film to make, shooting in temperatures down to minus 35 degrees and working with my cinematographer, Gerry Vasbenter (Lord of the Rings camera operator) to ensure that the equipment could function as well as the crew!
The road trip to Lama’s remote homeland Zaykhan Province was incredible and we were in the hands of local drivers and Lama’s powerful prayers to keep us safe on our journey.
It has been a privilege and pleasure to tell the story of such a remarkable man’s life. I hope this film will resonate with many people across cultures and ages.
PRINT SOURCE
Shoreline Entertainment
Carissa Gaithe
carissa@slefilms.com
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