A multi-event mini-festival of film, meditation and talks took place on the campus of American University in Washington, DC, June 17–21, 2010. Organized by volunteers, BuddhaFest featured eleven films and speakers including Tara Brach, Lama Surya Das, Sharon Salzberg, Ryumon H.G. Baldoquin, Sensei and Lama Tsony.
Co-organizer Gabriel Riera said, “It was like a whole new sangha came into being for these four days.” Co-organizer Eric Forbis added, “We sold out half our events and came close on a couple more, and the feedback has been phenomenal.”
The opening night screening was the new dramatic feature film Cherry Blossoms by German director Doris Dörrie (Enlightenment Guaranteed), and the evening opened with a ceremony by Tibetan Drupon Tinley Ningpo and a catered reception.
BuddaFest was co-sponsored by Kay Spiritual Life Center at American University and the Insight Meditation Community of Washington; programming assistance was provided by Buddhist Film Foundation. Plans are in discussion for a return in 2011.
