A Full Bright Opening for T.H.I.S Buddhist Film Festival -- [Post Event Report] by Debbie Tan and Melissa Kohct

The Thus Have I Seen (T.H.I.S) Buddhist Film Festival, organized by Dharma In Action (DIA), opened with a blast on Sunday, 13 September 2009. This is the first ever film festival organized by a group of Buddhist volunteers from different professions. The volunteers are interested to share Buddhist cultures and values through the medium of film and it is their wish that in viewing these films, the audience will get clues and guidance to better living, and together, work towards creating a better world.

The opening evening of T.H.I.S Buddhist Film Festival was a sellout event with the entire 780 tickets snapped up. It was also graced by Venerable Seck Kwang Phing (Secretary-General of Singapore Buddhist Federation) and more than a hundred monastics from the Buddhist College of Singapore, as well as other Buddhist organizations.

Through the opening film '一轮明月', the audience was given a glimpse of the renowned Buddhist master, Venerable Hongyi's life and spiritual journey. Touching scenes during the movie moved many people to tears and a loud applause could be heard at the end of the movie.

Here's what the audience had to say about about T.H.I.S Buddhist Film Festival and the movie.

Comments on the event

Ven. Kwang Phing, Secretary-General of SBF

It was a good effort to have this Buddhist Film Festival. Through visual and audio means, films have the power to engage people from all walks of life.

Cedric Ng, Researcher, 38

There is a wide selection of films that can cater to people from all walks of life. The films are very educational and allow people who are new to Buddhism to learn from them.

Wong Bein Siong, Counseller, 28

The Buddhist film festival is a good initiative. It is wonderful to use movies to pass the Dharma on to others, because the impact it leaves on people is great.

I would like to see anime screening related to Buddhism in the coming film festival.

Eric, Marketing Executive, 26

Music is a good way to propagate the Dharma because it can touch the hearts and minds of people, eg. Ode to Triple Gems by Ven. Hongyi. Maybe we can have a Buddhist Music Festival in future too.

Yihua, IT personnel, 34

Film festivals can help create awareness. It'll be good to have movies with more local context so that it would be easier for people to relate to.

Lee Mei Chuen, Teacher, 50+

The Buddhist Film Festival is an excellent idea particularly for people who are afraid to attend an event at a Buddhist temple. It's a good way to introduce Buddhist values and way of life to non-Buddhists or those who are new to Buddhism.

Ng Siok Hian, Accountant, 40

It is open to the public, so that one can bring his/her non-Buddhist family and friends to the festival to watch the films and through the films, their family and friends can have some understanding of Buddhist doctrines. It'll be good if there are more Chinese films in future Buddhist film festivals so that one can bring elderly members in the family to watch.

Comments on the movie

Ven. Chuan Guan, Monk, 30+ years old

It is a touching film that inspires both monastics and lay people. It reminds us of the duties we need to fulfill as Buddhists.

Cedric Ng, Researcher, 38

The teachings in the film are in touch with modern life -about love for the country, people and the human race. It brings Buddhism alive for me and I feel I am able to apply it in my daily life. The part that had the greatest impact on me was that Ven. Hongyi, despite having everything in his lay life felt that only the teachings of Buddhism and maintaining a simple life could set him free and bring him happiness.

Wong Bein Siong, Counseller, 28

The film was inspiring. I am inspired by Ven. Hongyi's dedication towards practicing the Dharma, and the perseverance he showed towards working for the good of the nation and people.

After watching this film, I have a new found respect towards the efforts behind works of art that teach the way towards enlightenment.

Eric, Marketing Executive, 26

The film was very moving. I am particularly touched by the way Ven. Hongyi conducts his practice. The part that was most memorable is how he showed humility by disapproving of the extravagant welcome he received from his followers.

Yihua, IT personnel, 34

I like the historical background in the movie and felt that the movie is more about the life of Ven. Hongyi than about Buddhism.

Lee Mei Chuen, Teacher, 50+

I'm inspired by the simple life that Ven. Hongyi led.

Mrs Lim, Retired, 60+

This film was very touching. It has increased my respect for the monastics and I have greater confidence in the Triple Gems.