10 Questions for the Dalai Lama

10 Questions for the Dalai Lama
Film poster
Directed by	Rick Ray
Written by	Rick Ray
Produced by	Rick Ray,Sharon Ray
Cinematography	Rick Ray
Edited by	Rick Ray, Sharon Ray
Music by	Peter Kater
Distributed by	Monterey Media
Release date	May 1, 2006(2006-05-01)
Running time	85 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

10 Questions For The Dalai Lamais a 2006 documentary film in which filmmakerRick Raymeets withTenzin Gyatso,the 14thDalai Lamaat his monastery inDharamsala,India.The film maker asks him ten questions during the course of the interview which is inter-cut with a biography of Tenzin Gyatso, a history of modernTibetand a chronicle of Ray's journey securing the interview.

Synopsis

The film begins as a chronicle of Rick Ray's journey through India to interviewTenzin Gyatso.The film switches between present and recent past, with stages of the trip introducing sections on the personal history of Tenzin Gyatso, the process used to select a Dalai Lama and Gyatso's journey into exile.

The interview with Tenzin Gyatso begins midway through the film. This section is inter-cut between sections addressing philosophical questions and current affairs. Ray asks a range of questions, touching on philosophical, social and political issues. Some of the questions asked:

• "Why do the poor seem happier than the rich?"
• "How can one reconcile an attitude ofnon-violencewhen faced with a direct threat to one's safety and security? "
• "Should countries be dedicated to preserving their traditions or embrace modern culture?"
• "Will there be another Dalai Lama?"

The questions are not numbered in the film and Ray admits to asking more than ten questions during the interview.

The film also features the daily life of Tenzin Gyatso, his international peace efforts and his work with Tibetan refugees. The film features interviews with aBuddhist monkwho fled violence in Tibet and Tenzin Tethong, who has served in theTibetan Government in Exilefor 20 years. Towards the end, the film touches on the issues ofinternet censorship in China,changes in Tibetan culture, and the11th Panchen Lamacontroversy.

Production

Three years were spent tracking down rare, archival footage of the youngTenzin Gyatso,early interactions between the People's Republic of China and his government, and his eventual exile. In the end, the licensing of some of the footage for the film cost more than all the other expenses combined.

External links

• 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama
• 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama
• 10 Questions for the Dalai LamaatIMDb
• New York Timesreview
• San Francisco Chroniclereview
• TheWashington Postreview
• Toronto Globe and Mailreview
• The Boston Globereview