The Bodhipath Film Festival, held on 10th and 11th March 2025, was a remarkable celebration of the intersection between Buddha Dhamma through films, art, and philosophy. The event unfolded with an eclectic mix of film screenings, panel discussions, and addresses by distinguished speakers. With its focus on the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma through the arts, the festival created a platform for meaningful engagement, reflection, and exploration of Buddhist themes, offering attendees a deeply enriching experience.

The festival began on 10th March 2025 with an inaugural session that set intellectual curiosity. The ceremony commenced with the offering of flowers to the Buddha, a symbolic gesture to honor the spiritual essence of the event. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), delivered the invocation and welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of Buddhist teachings in contemporary society. Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, gave a powerful address as a special guest, followed by Mr. Abhijit Halder, Director General of the IBC, who introduced the vision behind the film festival. The session culminated with an address by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, who highlighted the integral role of spirituality in artistic expression through the medium of films.

The morning film screening segment was a highlight. Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma in Asia, directed by Prof. Dr. Ravindra Panth, chronicled the spread of Buddhism across Asia. The second film, The Cup, directed by Ven. Khyentse Norbu, provided an engaging narrative about monastic life, skillfully blending humor with introspection. This was followed by a special address from eminent Indian and international playback singer Mohit Chauhan, Guest of Honour, who delivered an inspiring speech on the unifying themes of music, art, and spirituality, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Afterward, the festival had a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Dr. Shashi Bala on the "Relevance of Buddhist Films in India – Past, Present, and Future." Esteemed speakers, Mr. Arjun Pandey and Mr. Rahul Dongre, shared their perspectives on the evolution and impact of Buddhist cinema within Indian culture, sparking lively dialogue among attendees. The afternoon session resumed with another series of compelling film screenings, showcasing narratives such as Path of Compassion by Prof. Benoy K. Behl, Geshe Ma is Born by Ms. Malati Rao, and Until Space Remains by Mr. Gaurav Saxena. These films explored themes of compassion, gender, and the legacy of the Dalai Lama, weaving together diverse facets of Buddhist philosophy.

The day concluded with a second panel discussion on "Opportunity & Challenges in Spiritual Filmmaking." Moderated by Prof. Benoy K. Behl, the session featured panelists Mr. Anurag Punetha and Ms. Aparna Sanyal, who eloquently discussed the creative and logistical nuances of this specialized genre.

The second day, held on 11th March 2025, continued the festival’s momentum with renewed enthusiasm. Mr. Abhijit Halder opened the session with welcoming remarks, followed by an address from the renowned actor Gagan Malik, who played the character of Siddhartha Gautama in Sri Siddhartha Gautama (Sinhalese movie) and spoke on the transformative impact on his artistic and personal journey. The morning film screenings began with Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, directed by Dr. Hindol Sengupta. This was followed by Nalanda – A Journey Through Time, directed by Mr. Surinder Talwar, which delved into the history of the ancient Buddhist university in a 48-minute narrative steeped in cultural richness.

A midday panel discussion on the "Concept of Art in Buddha Dhamma" provided a platform for intellectual engagement. Moderated by Mr. Subodh Poddar, the session featured Dr. Hindol Sengupta and Mr. Ankur Naik as speakers, who explored the relationship between Buddhist philosophy and artistic expression. Their insights highlighted how art serves as a powerful medium for spiritual communication, blending tradition with modernity to reach diverse audiences.

The afternoon resumed with a carefully curated selection of films like The Monk with a Camera by Guido Santi and Tina Mascara, while Prof. Robert Thurman delivered his address, reflecting on the festival’s success in bringing together scholars, artists, and audiences to celebrate the universal values of compassion and wisdom. A special conversation session between Mr. Rajesh Kalra and Indian and international actor Adil Hussain added depth to the proceedings, as they discussed the interplay between Buddhism and contemporary storytelling. The screenings continued with Guru Padmasambhava by Ms. Aparna Sanyal, a tribute to the legendary Buddhist master, and Kung Fu Nuns by Mr. Chandramouli Basu, a documentary spotlighting the unique contributions of nuns in spreading compassion through martial arts.

The day concluded with a panel discussion on "Mindful Communication," moderated by Mr. Surinder Talwar. Speakers Ms. Rajni Basumatary, Mr. Siddharth Singh, and Ms. Garima Wahal discussed the importance of mindfulness in personal and professional interactions, bridging Buddhist principles with everyday life.

The closing High Tea session offered an opportunity for participants to engage in informal discussions, fostering connections and reflections on the festival’s themes.