Documentary film on Dalai Lama enjoys box-office success in Europe

Tsering Dhundup

DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 12: After its premiere at the Zurich Film Festival last October, the documentary film ‘Wisdom of Happiness—A Heart-to-Heart with the Dalai Lama’, based on the Tibetan leader’s vision, has experienced strong box office performances across Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark, with its overseas rollout continuing to expand.

The film, directed by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, features the Dalai Lama engaging directly with the audience, creating what has been described as “a meditative cinema experience that resonates long after.” Executive producers Richard Gere and Oren Moverman have played a crucial role in the project, ensuring its widespread reach overseas.

Outlook Film sales represents the documentary and is set to showcase it at the European Film Market (EFM) to broaden its distribution. Discussions are currently underway for releases in Latin America and the United States, according to US-based digital media Deadline.

In Switzerland, Wisdom of Happiness has sold over 70,000 tickets since its December release by Ascot Elite, maintaining a position in the Top 10 for seven consecutive weeks and ranking among the Top 3 arthouse films.

Germany’s Via X Filmverleih released the documentary on November 7, 2023, where it has since sold more than 48,000 tickets, positioning it among the Top 5 documentaries of 2024. In Denmark, Øst For Paradis launched the film in mid-January, with over 5,000 admissions so far.

Expressing excitement over the film’s success, Ralph Dietrich of Ascot Elite told the media, “We are thrilled and proud of the strong box office performance of Wisdom of Happiness. In these challenging times for the industry, it’s deeply rewarding to see audiences embrace a film that speaks to our shared humanity and inspires optimism for the future.” He also noted the rarity of repeat viewings, highlighting how visitors are returning multiple times, particularly for afternoon and early evening screenings.

Stephanie Fuchs, CEO of world sales at Autlook Filmsales, added, “This success reflects the universal appeal of Wisdom of Happiness, and we are certain that it will continue to thrive in cinemas and resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Wisdom of Happiness is set to continue its rollout in other European countries. In April, it will screen at the Barcelona Film Festival, with Richard Gere in attendance, before being released in Spain on April 30 via A Contracorriente’s Selecta Vision. Further releases include Italy (via Wanted) in May, also supported by Gere.

Other international distributors include Portugal (A Contracorriente), Australia/New Zealand (Madman), Taiwan (Swallow Wings), Greece (Filmtrade), Poland (Aurora), Israel (New Cinema), the Baltics (Best Film), former Yugoslavia (Demiurg), Slovakia & Czech Republic (Garfield Films), and Brazil (Aquarius).

Beyond commercial success, the film has also been showcased at significant international venues. On December 9, 2023, it was screened at a U.S. Congressional venue, attended by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Richard Gere, the Dalai Lama’s sister Jetsun Pema, and President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Penpa Tsering. 

Hollywood star Richard Gere, a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama and the executive producer of the film said, “Wisdom of Happiness is a very special film that we hope will profoundly influence how we think and feel about ourselves and the others with whom we share this beautiful planet. My friends tell me this is the most important film of my life.”