Doc on Dalai Lama Premiered at the 2003 IBFF in Los Angeles.
5 August 2005
Due to popular demand, the west coast theatrical premiere engagement of Werner Herzog’s Wheel of Time, featuring the Dalai Lama performing the Kalachakra mandala initiation, continues at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael through August 25. This exclusive Bay Area run is co-presented by the International Buddhist Film Festival (IBFF) and the Goethe Institute.
Filmed on location in Bodh Gaya (India), Graz (Austria) and in Tibet, Wheel of Time is Herzog’s outsider view of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality in general, and the Kalachakra (“wheel of time” is one translation) initiation in particular, with a side trip to witness the pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash. Herzog, known internationally for Nosferatu and Fitzcarraldo, (and in the Bay Area for his appearances in Les Blank’s Burden of Dreams, now available on DVD from Criterion Collection, and Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe) narrates with honesty and clarity throughout. More in fascination and awe, he brings a novice’s enthusiasm and the delight of discovery to every scene.
At the 2003 IBFF in Los Angeles, Herzog told the closing night crowd that he was proud to have the US public premiere of his film as part of the inaugural run of the IBFF. He detailed the harrowing experiences he endured to capture stunning images of 450,000 Tibetans on pilgrimage, and to resounding applause he said “I’m not a Buddhist, but I knew that even in such a huge crowd of people there was not one who would pick up arms or start a war.”
Exclusive Bay Area Engagement Held Over Through August 25
Screenings: Monday–Friday, 5:00/7:00/9:00; Saturday and Sunday, 12:45/3:00/5:00/7:00
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
1118 Fourth Street, San Rafael
Phone: 415.454.1222
