Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, June 10: Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese joined nearly 500 attendees at the SVA Theatre on June 6 for a special screening of his celebrated film ‘Kundun’, paying tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s upcoming 90th birthday. The event is part of the Tribeca Film Festival, a highly anticipated cinematic event that takes place every spring in New York City.
Scorsese, who directed the 1997 biographical film chronicling the early life of the 14th Dalai Lama, took the stage to offer warm birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama. Addressing the packed audience of around 480 people, Scorsese spoke about how the making of the film has profoundly shaped his own life. His sincere reflections drew applause and left many in attendance visibly moved.
According to Tibet.net, the evening drew a roster of distinguished guests including family members of the late screenwriter and co- producer of the movie ‘KUNDUN’ Melissa Mathison, Jigme Gere (son of actor Richard Gere), cast member Michael Imperioli, cinematographer Lisa Rinzler, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Several Tibetan actors from the film also joined the celebration.
The theatre’s entrance was transformed into a vibrant display featuring photographs of the Dalai Lama, colourful prayer flags, traditional five-offering arrangements, and an array of Tibetan and American flags. Che-mar offerings and biographical exhibits added to what organisers described as an “auspicious and festive atmosphere” for the special screening.
The screening of ‘Kundun’ and tribute celebration honouring His Holiness was jointly organised by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and the Office of Tibet, North America with additional support from the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey. This year’s festival runs from 4 to 15 June, with the screening of ‘Kundun’ being one of its highlighted features.
According to Tenchoe Gyatso, President of the ICT, the screening aligns with the Kashag’s designation of July 2025 to July 2026 as the international “Year of Compassion” in honour of His Holiness’s milestone birthday. Gyatso emphasised that the event aimed to introduce the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion to global audiences through the powerful medium of Scorsese’s cinematic masterpiece.
One Response
Thank you for sharing. Waiting for Martin Scorsese to make a brand new film about His Holiness Dalai Lama: ‘Kundun II’! Don’t you think Richard Gere has a close resemblance to His Holiness? – high cheekbones, strong nose and happy eyes! Celebrate His Holiness 90th Birthday by collecting the ‘Man of Peace’ – Dalai Lama graphic novel from Tibet House US at THUS.ORG 🙂