Director's Message - THUS HAVE I SEEN

Welcome to the eighth edition of Thus Have I Seen Buddhist Film Festival (THISBFF).

THISBFF 2023 promises to be an exciting event as we make our full return to the cinematic experience of in-person viewing at Shaw Theatres Lido. This follows our online version in 2020 and hybrid version in 2021.

At 19 films, THISBFF 2023 has our largest collection of films ever. It will be another fulfilling event with thoughtful and challenging works curated to explore Buddhism in its various forms. Once again, our films come from all over the world, and feature the major Buddhist traditions.

In our lineup, we are showcasing films that delve into the intersections of Buddhism with various cultures in addition to those from Buddhist communities. These thought-provoking films explore themes such as death, renunciation, mindfulness, and awakening, providing audiences with an unique and enriching cinematic experience.

In the face of current challenges such as geo-political strife, climate change, and technology-induced upheavals, the world is in need of guidance and solutions. As we prepare for the future, we believe that the wisdom and compassion taught by the Buddha can provide valuable insights for everyone, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Through THISBFF 2023, our aim is to stimulate thought-provoking discussions and encourage deep reflections among our audience.

This year, as with previous editions, we want to express our gratitude to our sponsors, filmmakers, local partners, and our long-term event organising partners – Factory Communications Pte Ltd, Shaw Theatres Ltd, SISTIC.com Pte Ltd, and ZiK! Design. These esteemed partners have been with us for many years, some since the inception of THISBFF, contributing to its success and growth. We truly appreciate their unwavering support throughout the years.

We are also delighted to have the chance to work with A Handful of Leaves in helping us to navigate the social media spaces. It is an incredible learning experience in reaching out to different segments of the community.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to our Community Partners and followers for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your steadfast belief in our mission has been a tremendous source of motivation, bolstering our morale and inspiring us to diligently plan and organise each edition of THISBFF. We are truly grateful for your ongoing support, which plays an integral role in the success and growth of our festival.

Since its inaugural edition in 2009, THISBFF has continued to grow. We are grateful for the continued support of our audience, whose participation has made this journey all the more meaningful. As we plan for the next THISBFF, please share your valuable feedback and suggestions. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our festival. Together, let’s make the upcoming edition even more meaningful.

Thank you and may you be well and happy.

Teo Puay Kim
Director
Dharma In Action Limited