FYI: Our series BUDDHISM GOES TO THE MOVIES begins Friday at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave. Tickets for each film are $12; $9 for CIA/CSU I.D. holders, Cinematheque members, and those age 25 & under. Please spread the word!

BUDDHISM GOES TO THE MOVIES
April 11-25 (3 films)
Rich emanations of Buddhist teachings and practices inspired cinematic expressions beyond those traditionally labeled as “films about Buddhism.” This three-film series delves into the lively expressions of being Buddhist, “doing Buddhism,” or just thinking along Buddhist lines across the cinematic world. Curated and co-hosted by Jue Liang, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Severance Professor in the History of Religion at Case Western Reserve University.

FRI 4/11 6:45 PM UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES
THU 4/17 6:45 PM LITTLE BUDDHA
FRI 4/25 7:00 PM THE MONK AND THE GUN filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji in person

See our film schedule for details. https://cinematheque.cia.edu/film-series/buddhism/
As a reminder, filmgoers can park for free in Lot 73 and in the Institute’s annex lot, and should enter CIA via nearby Entrance C.
Friday, April 11, 6:45 pm
Buddhism Goes to the Movies
UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES
Thailand, 2010, Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Suffering from acute kidney failure, Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long-lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave—the birthplace of his first life. The film blends realism and the supernatural, exploring karma and the interconnectedness of life and death in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant Palme d’Or winner. Subtitles. 114 min. Introduced and curated by Jue Liang, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Severance Professor in the History of Religion at Case Western Reserve University.

Thursday, April 17, 6:45 pm
Buddhism Goes to the Movies
New 4K Restoration
LITTLE BUDDHA
France/Liechtenstein/UK, 1993, Bernardo Bertolucci
After the death of Lama Dorje, Tibetan Buddhist monks find three children — one American and two Nepalese — who may be the rebirth of their great teacher. Bertolucci’s spiritual drama interweaves the story of Siddhartha Gautama with a contemporary narrative of a young American boy. Keanu Reeves stars as Siddhartha in this visually stunning exploration of Buddhist philosophy. 141 min. Introduced and curated by Jue Liang, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Severance Professor in the History of Religion at Case Western Reserve University.

Friday, April 25, 7:00 pm
Buddhism Goes to the Movies
Filmmaker In Person
THE MONK AND THE GUN
Bhutan/Taiwan/France/United States/Hong Kong, 2023, Pawo Choyning Dorji
The Monk and the Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. In 2006, as Bhutan prepares to hold its democratic election, Bhutanese government stages a mock election as a training exercise. In the town of Ura, an old lama instructs young monk Tashi to procure some firearms by way of preparation for the impending upheaval. Meanwhile, American visitor Ron Coleman arrives in the country to acquire for a weapons collector an antique rifle – which by chance falls into the monk’s hands. A charming, authentic, and timely political satire. Filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji (Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Visiting Scholar) will be present for a Q&A. Subtitles. 107 min.

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