BUDDHISM, BHUTAN AND ME Discussion Hosted by the UN Association of New York
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 Published On Apr 27, 2022

The United Nations Association of New York panel discussion following the screening of BUDDHISM, BHUTAN AND ME. In this BYkids film, Rinzin Jurmey (age 18) documents the ways in which he – and his country – are striving to preserve ancient practices and tradition under globalization's pressure to modernize. Panelists include H.E. Ambassador Doma Tshering (Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations), Holly Carter (BYkids Founder and Executive Director) and Cat Papadimitriou (Filmmaker and BYkids Mentor).

Eighteen-year-old Rinzin Jurmey from Bhutan decided to become a monk and student of Buddhist cosmology when he was eleven years old. Unlike many of his peers who attend modern schools and are more materialistic, Jurmey enjoys a contemplative lifestyle.

The small nation of Bhutan was cut off from the rest of the world until only a few decades ago. Rather than gross domestic product, the country uses a Gross National Happiness Index to measure economic and moral progress and promote Buddhist spiritual values. But tourism, technology, and globalization have had a major impact on Bhutan. As Jurmey travels between his monastery, mountain village, and the city, he meets with hip hop dancers, video game enthusiasts, and sports fans, seeking to understand the intersection of tradition and pop culture.

With guidance from cinematographer Cat Papadimitriou, Jurmey documents the ways in which he – and his country – are striving to preserve ancient practices while embracing modernity.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
"I believe we should be careful how we progress and develop as a nation. It can only be achieved by committing ourselves to preserving our ideals, values and traditions. I want the world to understand Bhutan on a deeper context than just as a tourist destination."
– Rinzin Jurmey

MENTORS' STATEMENTS
"It's somewhat unusual that a teenager has a hard time talking about themselves, so helping Rinzin tell this story was uniquely challenging. That this film is set in a Buddhist country with someone like Rinzin makes it unlike any other film I have been a part of, and I'm so excited to share it with the world." – Cat Papadimitriou

"It's been an incredible opportunity to work with BYkids and to contribute to Rinzin's story. Bhutan is a fascinating and beautiful country, and documenting Rinzin's spiritual discovery has been a deeply moving and rewarding experience." – Chris Rizzo

See more: https://bykids.org/films/buddhism-bhu...

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