An Uncommon King
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An Uncommon King is a 2011 72-minute HD documentary film directed by award-winning documentary and television producer Johanna J. Lunn.[1] It records the life of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, son of meditation master Chögyam Trungpa and leader of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage and Shambhala International, a global community with over 200 meditation centers.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]Through original and archival footage and interviews, the film follows Mipham Rinpoche from a young child living in a Tibetan refugee camp in India to his move to the West to being empowered as a Sakyong or “Earth Protector." The film captures Mipham Rinpoche on retreat in India and at work promoting his books and building a school in Tibet.[1] It also captures personal moments, including Rinpoche at home in Nova Scotia, running marathons,[3] recording music, and proposing to his Tibetan princess bride, Khandro Tseyang Ripa Mukpo.
"This biography is about the establishment of the lineage of Sakyongs," says director Johanna J. Lunn.[4] "Where Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche comes from and what his life purpose is. It’s a father–son story, it’s a story about wisdom passing from East to West. Above all it’s a story about basic goodness. It’s a living story that is unfolding all the time."
Production
[edit]An Uncommon King is an English-language film shot over 17 years in 12 different countries, including Tibet, India, China, Europe and North America. Produced by award-winning director Johanna J. Lunn and cinematographer James Hoagland, starring Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "An Uncommon King" at the Internet Movie Database
- ^ "Shambhala International" Archived June 13, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Running with the Mind of Meditation"
- ^ "Shambhala Times: Interview with Filmmaker Johanna J. Lunn and Shambhala President Richard Reoch"
- ^ "An Uncommon King: Official Website"