At the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival, Hollywood veteran Richard Gere made a splash, set to attend in October. His highlight? Unveiling the documentary "Wise Paths of Contentment," set for its first watch, as announced by the festival. Known for his roles in classics like "Pretty Woman" and "Tribute to Canada," Gere serves as the movie's main producer.
Off the red carpet, the festival is also gearing up for prominent guests. Sources confirm the Dalai Lama's own sister, Jetsun Pema, and the Prime Minister of Tibet in exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, will be present. The event maintains its original name, "Zurich Film Festival," staying true to the city's English spelling.
The anticipated documentary, originally titled "Wisdom of Happiness," offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the 89-year-old Dalai Lama. Featuring never-before-seen footage from the Tibetan government's archives, the film showcases the spiritual leader discussing empathy in human relationships. The event takes place from October 3-20.
Gere, a devout Buddhist, shares a strong connection with the Dalai Lama, offering his unwavering support for years and considering him a cherished mentor.
Further Insights:
This thought-provoking documentary sheds light on the Dalai Lama's journey toward enlightenment, offering viewers an exclusive perspective on his ideals and inner peace. The film was co-directed by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, with Richard Gere serving as the executive producer. It was met with tremendous success, selling over 70,000 tickets in Switzerland and maintaining a Top 3 position in arthouse films for seven weeks.
Further screenings are planned at the Barcelona Film Festival in April 2025, with Richard Gere set to attend. The documentary has received distribution in several international markets, including the United States, Spain, Italy, and Brazil, among others. Gere was also present at a U.S. Congressional screening, a moment marked by the presence of Nancy Pelosi, Jetsun Pema, and Penpa Tsering.
