The 2009 Melbourne Buddhist Film Festival program offers six wonderful films - five documentaries and a classic animated drama - as well as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and a public talk on Buddhist symbolism. All screenings and events will be held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Federation Square.
The festival runs from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2009.
To book tickets, please visit the ACMI website http://www.acmi.net.au/buddhist_ff.aspx from 5th October.
Friday 30th October and Saturday 31st October, 6.15pm
Melbourne Buddhist Film Festival www.melbournebff.com
The Program:
The Dhamma Brothers
Director: Jenny Phillips, Anne Marie Stein and Andrew Kukura
Running time: 76 mins
Country: US
Year: 2007
Language: English
A dramatic tale of human potential and transformation, this documentary chronicles the stories of prison inmates at Donaldson Correctional Facility through and after an arduous Vipassana meditation program. It has the power to dismantle stereotypes about men behind prison bars, and n the words of Sister Helen Prejean (Dead Man Walking), ‘it gives you hope for the human race’.
Visit the official website
Friday 30th October, 9.15pm
Meditate and Destroy
Director: Sarah Fisher
Running time: 80 minutes
Country: US
Year: 2007
Language: English
This film contains strong language and drug references.
A documentary about rebellion, punk rock, and spirituality through the eyes of best-selling author Noah Levine (Dharma Punx, Against the Stream). This powerful film examines the driving forces that transformed Levine from an addicted rebel into a Buddhist teacher and community leader. Tattoos, motorbikes, and a punk rock soundtrack provide the backdrop for an inspirational story of finding new paths even in our darkest hours.
Visit the official website