ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

Tibet

Tenzin: Struggling with Silence

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Set in Toronto, Tenzin tells the story of Tenzin (Tenzin Kelsang), a Tibetan Canadian grieving the loss of his brother back home. As a form of non-violent protest against the Chinese occupation of the country, Tenzin’s brother self-immolates, being branded a martyr by his countrymen. As he reflects upon the impact made by his brother’s death, Tenzin feels the burden of supporting the cause yet also finds himself on a journey of self-discovery as well.

Directed by Michael LeBlanc and Joshua Reichmann, Tenzin is a reflective piece that operates on a slow burn. Working in partnership with members of the Tibetan community, Reichmann and LeBlanc have created a piece that reveals the tension of fighting for freedom when you are thousands of miles away from the struggle. With each step into his psychological journey, Tenzin must grapple with the burden of his brother’s sacrifice and ask himself what it means to him to continue the mantle on Canadian soil. 

In an interesting way, Reichmann and LeBlanc allow the film to feel the eb and flow of his reflection. As the camera slowly follows Tenzin himself, the viewer can see the inner conflict upon his face as he grapples with what it means to be involved. (It’s also worth noting that this fluidity also played a part in the development of the story as the two directors allowed Tenzin‘s structure to evolve over the course of filming.)

Admittedly, despite its brief runtime, Tenzin feels much longer. However, there’s little doubt that this is intentional. Tenzin’s pacing ensures that the viewer sits in the moment and absorbs its quiet nature. This is a film that wants its audiences to feel present with its characters, allowing themselves to feel centered. (“Are you here?,” Tenzin is repeatedly asked, just as is the audience.) In this way, the film can become an uncomfortable experience, not because of disturbing content but simply because it demands the viewer to quiet themselves. Much of the film plays out with natural audio and very limited dialogue. There is no frenetic action, memorable dramatic tension or fiery speeches.

As Tenzin walks and explores his life, we are left to experience life along with him.

In this sense, there’s also a deeply rooted spirituality within Tenzin as well. Despite its lack of dialogue, Tenzinhas a lot to say about what it means for the spirit to call us to help change the world, even if we live in a country that doesn’t suffer the same struggles as others. Fueled by Buddhist tenets and visuals, Tenzin speaks to the soul and calls it to look towards justice. Unsettled by the sacrifice of his brother, Tenzin himself finds himself on a quest to discover his calling and bring hope to a broken world.

It’s for this reason that Tenzin is such a complicated film. Profoundly present in the moment, it insists that the viewer reflect on what it means to be spiritually connected and stand together with others. However, at the same time, there will be many who struggle with the long silences of Tenzin’s journey as well. After all, with its slow pacing and whisper-level volume, one cannot help but struggle as they slow down long enough to sit within its quiet world.

But, for Tenzin, that struggle is exactly the point.

Tenzin is available in theatres on Friday, March 17th, 2023.

The Last Dalai Lama? – A Life of Compassion

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?So long space remains
So long sentient beings remain
So long suffering remains
I will remain. In order to serve.
That is the real purpose of our life.?

Documentarian Mickey Lemle first made a film about the 14th Dalai Lama (Compassion in Exile) in 1991. Now that His Holiness is in his eighties, Lemle has revisited the subject in The Last Dalai Lama? The title comes from comments that the Dalai Lama has made about whether he will reincarnate again?or how. But that question is only addressed in about the last quarter of the film.

The Dalai Lama is a world-renown spiritual leader. He has also been in the political spotlight since he was a teenager, dealing with the Chinese Communists and their expansion into Tibet. The film serves as a chronicle of his life, with the main focus on his work of trying to use science as a validation of his teachings about emotions and compassion. We meet scientists who are working to quantify the benefits of his teachings. We go to a British Columbia school where teachers are using his teachings with young children. We hear former President George W. Bush tell of the blessing he felt being in the Dalai Lama?s presence.

Early in the film when it refers to the escape from China, it mentions one of those close to him who was not able to escape and was imprisoned. The Dalai Lama told of this monk telling him that it was a dangerous time in prison. The danger was that he was close to not having compassion on his captors. When asked if His Holiness is asked if he hates the Chinese, he responds by speaking of the why of compassion:

I think quite often people get this impression the practice of love and forgiveness is something good for others, not necessarily themselves. This is totally wrong.

This approach is certainly as fitting for Christian consideration as it is for Buddhism. There are many Christians who look to the Dalai Lama as someone who can help us understand how we should better live out our own faith.

The political side of His Holiness?s life is also shown. He is the symbol for Tibetan independence. As such, the Chinese government seeks to silence him or control him. They have announced their intent to be involved in the recognition of his successor. (Which is a key reason for the question of how or if he will reincarnate.) In 2014 he declared, ?I will not reincarnate.? The last section of the film is an exploration of what he might mean by that.

Of course, for many Westerners the workings of reincarnation, especially as seen in the lamas of Tibetan Buddhism, is a bit incomprehensible. Does he in fact have control over his reincarnation? Most of those who speak to this comment that he may choose to reincarnate in some way that is not as public as his current lifetime. He has expressed in the past the desire for a more humble life. Perhaps that is how he seeks to reincarnate. But between those who look to him for leadership and the Chinese government, it is hard to imagine how the fifteenth Dalai Lama will find such a quiet life. His own words in the film about his reincarnation do reflect that desire for humility?and the humility he has sought in this lifetime, even though it has been lived in the world?s spotlight:

I have no wish to be reborn in some heavenly place. What I want?my wish?my only sort of desire is to be reborn where some difficulties or problems where I can make some contribution.

The Dalai Lama is one of those persons who through their lives have transcended the religious labels that we choose to put on them. People of any faith?or even no faith?would do well to encounter this one who shares his life with us.