Aakaash Film
Jaap Verhoeven
"I wish film to be a mirror to see and know our self"
RECENT WORK
Guru in Disgrace
In 2017, eight students of Sogyal Rinpoche wrote him a letter accusing him of physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse of students. The letter soon went viral and startled the Buddhist world. Many Rigpa students canceled their trust and membership. His Buddhist community became divided into supporters and opponents. Sogyal stepped down as a teacher and fled to Thailand, where he passed away in 2019.
Visions of a Teacher
With Khyentse Norbu, Buddhist teacher / filmmaker
Khyentse Norbu, also known as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is a prominent incarnation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Surprisingly, in the West, he is best known as a film director. In this documentary we see him in Nepal on the set for his latest film, where he effortlessly switches between working with the hip film crew and performing ancient Buddhist rituals.
Like no other, Khyentse Norbu is aware of the challenges facing Buddhism today. How does he see his role as a teacher in this age of demystification of gurus?
VISIONS OF A TEACHER is selected for the Buddhist Film Festival Europe in Amsterdam, 2019. https://www.bffe.eu/
The Mountain Yogi
Tibetan Buddhism has many appearances, but the tradition of Milarepa speaks most to the imagination. These are the yogis high up in the Himalayas, who do their meditation for years, under harsh conditions and in total seclusion.
Lama Govida is such a hermit, and we follow him when after twenty years of retreat he leaves his cave to mingle with the people of Kinnaur Valley.
Feeding Your Demons
With Lama Tsultrim Allione
At the age of 21 Lama Tsultrim Allione travelled to Asia, and became a Buddhist nun. She was recognized as a reincarnation of Machig Labron, a famous lady teacher who lived in Tibet in the 11th century. With the “Feeding Your Demons” process, she helps her students to get to know their demons and listen to their needs, instead of fighting, or ignoring their energy. A powerful and magical path to deal with our obstacles, both inside us, and those we meet in life.
Sitting Still Like a Frog
With Eline Snel
“Sitting Still Like a Frog” is an introduction to mindfulness practice for children. Eline Snel developed this playful and direct approach, which received appreciation worldwide, and now her book has seen many translations. In this documentary, we follow Eline on her trip to Hong Kong, where she meets kids and teachers. We also see her teach in a Dutch classroom in Leusden. What do the kids get out of it?