Milarepa
In his directorial debut Buddhist monk Neten Chokling (who acted in fellow monk Khyentse Norbu's The Cup) vividly presents the captivating account of the early life of Thöpaga (played by Jamyang Lodro, also of The Cup), whose attainment on the path to enlightenment would eventually make him the revered Tibetan saint Milarepa. Set in 11th-century Tibet–a time of roaming sorcerers and yogis, according to Buddhist legend–the film follows the difficult fortune of Thöpaga's family after his wealthy father dies and the greedy aunt and uncle entrusted with the family's care take everything instead. Destitute, Thöpaga's enraged mother sends him away to learn magic, so he can exact violent revenge; he succeeds horribly and flees, beginning a journey that will eventually become one of spiritual transformation. Filmed on the breathtakingly scenic Indo-Tibetan border, with monks serving as most of the cast and crew, Milarepa glows with a unique visual and spiritual charge. — S. Mockus
Presented in association with the Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture.
Director: Neten Chokling
Producer: Raymond Steiner
Screenwriter: Neten Chokling, Tenzing Choyang Gyari
Cinematographer: Paul Warren
Editor: Suzy Elmiger
Cast: Jamyang Lodro, Orgyen Tobgyal, Kelsang Chukie Tethtong
Print Source:
Milarepa Film
Tel: 703.847.5180
Email: greg@milarepamovie.com
Sponsor:
Jennifer Coslett MacCready
