*Exploring Consciousness is an independent Film Festival under the auspices of the non-profit Rokpa Trust, South Africa, a Tibetan Buddhist charity.
EXPLORING CONSCIOUSNESSS FILM FESTIVAL
1/F Auditorium, Duke of Windsor Social Services Bldg
15 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
June 23 (Sat) 7 pm – 9:30 pm Ticket price: HK$85
TRAVELLERS AND MAGICIANS 1 hr 40 minutes
Directed by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, who also made the critically acclaimed The Cup, this latest film tells the story of a young Bhutanese man who dreams of escaping to America while stuck in a ravishingly beautiful but isolated village. Set against the spectacular, evocative landscape of the remote kingdom of Bhutan, the enchanting Travellers and Magicians shows us the “grass is always greener on the other side” view that we all share regardless of culture, as the young man Dhondup, encounters a monk, a fruit vendor, and an elderly man and his beautiful daughter on his journey. The mischievous monk tells Dhondup a story of another young man who sought a land far away: a tale of lust, jealousy and murder that holds up a mirror to the restless Dhondup and his blossoming attraction to the innocent young woman. This is a charming, funny and gently thoughtful movie about dreams, duty, impermanence and how small events can change the course of one’s life.
“Lovely and enthralling!… Imbued with a playfulness and generosity that clearly establishes Norbu as the natural heir to Indian master Satyajit Ray.” - San Francisco Weekly
“Ravishingly beautiful! Flat-out riveting!” – Time Out New York
ZEN COUPLE IN THE WESTERN CAPE 30 minutes
Heila and Rodney Downey both had successful careers, owned a large house and drove the latest Mercedes. Yet the question remained: “Is this all there is to life?” After attending a Zen retreat at BRC Ixopo, they decided to change their lives and dedicate themselves to help others. They moved to Robertson where they set up a Zen Dharma Centre. They teach Zen also at the Malmesbury prison and help their community in many ways. Film made by Reene Scheltema for a Dutch Buddhist TV station.
July 13 (Fri) 7 pm – 9:30 pm Ticket Price: HK$85
THE YOGIS OF TIBET 1 hr 20 minutes
A fascinating new film focusing in the great yogis of Tibet, and their lives in retreat practicing secret self-transforming physical and mental exercises. Through these techniques they have developed extraordinary control over both body and mind. Normally these yogis are vowed to extreme secrecy to maintain purity of their practices, but agreed to be interviewed, including one rare demonstration of yogic exercise and ability, to help preserve their vanishing culture.
This film includes an interview with the Dalai Lama and scenes from a meditation retreat by two yogis in caves at Lapchi, a place made famous by Milarepa. There are also interviews with many yogis, especially from the Drikung Kagyu lineage.
“Remarkable!… A moving experience to watch these hermits speak so openly. The first film to explore this unique subject matter in depth.: Jeff Cox, Snow Lion Publications.
“Spectacular yogic exercise footage never seen before and not likely to be seen elsewhere again. As close a peek as anyone can get to the ways of the mystical Tibetan yogis."” Pema Thinley, Editor, Tibetan Review.
“Superb! … the best film we’ve seen on Tibet.” – Light of Consciousness Magazine.
INSIDE MECCA 46 minutes
A National Geographic Film. Few non-Muslims have glimpsed its sacred glories. All Muslims are drawn by its holy summons. Now, explore Islam’s most revered city to experience a spiritual phenomenon that has endured for more than 14 centuries. Witness the personal challenges and spiritual rewards of three pilgrims as they join some two million Muslims on their haj. Explore key Islamic sites and ancient rituals that only a handful non-Muslims have witnessed. Discover the spiritually charged history of Mecca and its place at the center of perhaps the most misunderstood religion in the world.
Ticket outlets
Reflections
21/F Jing Long Commercial Bldg
52 Tang Lung St
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: 2504 1333
Healingweb Ltd
1/F 15 Wyndham St
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2922 3000
Shakti Healing Circle
3/F Waga Commercial Centre
9 Wellington St
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2521 5099
(Rose 是位年約半百的阿嬤，但純真起來比孩子還要像個孩子，她總是沉默，但只要開口便字字銖機。她充滿幽默感，有時她不用開口，只要舉起一根手指頭，就能讓我笑倒在地。我跟她說當我的朝聖之旅的書面世時，她在裡面一定會佔很多篇幅，她只是微笑。我總覺得老天一定特別厚愛我，才安排我們住同一間房!) 
