The Sri Lanka Tibet Brotherhood Society and Youth Celebrity Forum jointly hosted the inaugural screening of the Himalayan Buddhist Film Festival with a showcase of the acclaimed movie “Seven Years in Tibet” at Liberty Scope Cinema in Colpetty on March 19th, starting from 5 pm.
Released in 1997, this cinematic gem boasts a runtime of 136 minutes and has received widespread praise, earning an impressive rating of 7.1/10 on IMDB.
Starring Hollywood icon Brad Pitt, along with Indian actress Laksha Samcho and Bhutanese actress Jamyang Jamsho Vanchu, the film recounts the remarkable bond between young Heinrich Harrer and His Holiness the Dalai Lama amidst the backdrop of World War II. Their friendship transcends barriers of religion, ethnicity, and nationality, illustrating the power of genuine human connection. Based on true events, the narrative follows Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian portrayed by Brad Pitt, as he escapes from a British prison in India in 1943. His journey through the Himalayas unfolds as an action-packed odyssey, culminating in his seven-year stay in Tibet. There, he forms a deep bond with the young Dalai Lama and witnesses the challenges posed by the invasion of communist China.
The friendship between Heinrich Harrer and the Dalai Lama serves as a testament to the values of love, kindness, and compassion. Initially a hardened character, Heinrich undergoes a transformative journey through his encounters with Buddhism and the teachings of the Dalai Lama, ultimately embracing a more sensitive and compassionate outlook towards all beings. The film underscores the universal need for love, compassion, and empathy, highlighting the commonality of these values across different cultures and religions. In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, where humanity often takes a backseat, “Seven Years in Tibet” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of these fundamental virtues.
Prior to the screening, attendees were treated to insightful lectures by esteemed speakers including Prof. Venerable Pathegama Gnanissara Thero, Rev. Dr. Lal Pushpadeva, and Dr. Damenda Porage. Emphasizing the significance of religious freedom, they underscored the importance of fostering understanding and tolerance among diverse communities.
The event drew a diverse audience comprising Buddhist monks, Catholic priests and nuns, Islamic Maulavis, Hindu priests, foreign ambassadors, scholars, political leaders, artists, university students, and media personalities. The packed cinema hall resonated with enthusiasm and appreciation throughout the screening, with attendees lauding the film as a timely and deeply humanistic portrayal. Many expressed gratitude to the organizers for facilitating such an enlightening and thought-provoking event. Most of them were of the view that this is the most humanistic film that they have watched recently.
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