Martin Scorsese’s Kundun took center stage at the Tribeca Film Festival, drawing nearly 500 attendees for a special screening celebrating the Dalai Lama’s upcoming 90th birthday. Scorsese shared how the film profoundly transformed his life.
BY PC Bureau
June 7, 2025 – Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed biographical drama Kundun took center stage at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, June 6, with a special screening drawing nearly 500 attendees, including a host of film industry luminaries and prominent members of the Tibetan community. The event, held at SVA Theatre 1, served as a poignant tribute to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, ahead of his 90th birthday.
Director Martin Scorsese himself was in attendance, delivering a deeply personal address to the captivated audience. He shared how the film, which chronicles the early life of the Dalai Lama, profoundly impacted his own life. Scorsese also extended heartfelt birthday wishes to His Holiness, a sentiment that resonated visibly throughout the theater.
The distinguished guest list reflected the film’s enduring appeal and the significance of the occasion. Among those present were family members of the late screenwriter Melissa Mathison, Jigme Gere (son of actor Richard Gere), cast member Michael Imperioli, cinematographer Lisa Rinzler, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Several Tibetan actors from the film also joined the celebration. Prominent Tibetan figures included former Kalon Tripa Tashi Tenzin Namgyal, Director of Zla-Nang Foundation Lama Tsewang, Director of Shi-De Kukyabling Geshe Tashi Dorjee, former Justice Commissioner Ngawang Rabgyal, and former Representative Rinchen Dharlo.
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The theater’s entrance was transformed into a vibrant cultural tableau, adorned with photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, traditional Tibetan prayer flags, five-offering arrangements, and a display of both Tibetan and American flags. Che-mar, a ceremonial offering, was also present, alongside exhibits detailing the Dalai Lama’s life and teachings. The air was filled with traditional Tibetan music, fostering an auspicious and festive atmosphere befitting the milestone celebration.
Disney burried KUNDUN to curry favor with the CCP. It was truly a crime against cinema because Scorsese’s chronicle of the Dalai Lama’s early years is a masterwork. Tribeca deserves credit for screening it to celebrate Scorsese’s 90th. Review up here: https://t.co/leu0c46mvs pic.twitter.com/oNlqL1T9Yq
— Joe Bendel (@JoeBendel1) June 5, 2025
The special screening and tribute were a collaborative effort, co-organized by the Washington D.C.-based International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and the Office of Tibet, North America, with vital support from the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey. The event aligns with the Kashag’s (Tibetan Cabinet’s) designation of July 2025 to July 2026 as the international “Year of Compassion,” dedicated to commemorating His Holiness’s 90th birthday. Tenchoe Gyatso, President of ICT, emphasized that the screening aimed to disseminate His Holiness’s universal message of compassion to global audiences through the powerful narrative of Kundun.
Following the screening, a reception was held at the offices of Wisdom Publications in New York City. The gathering provided an opportunity for those involved in the film’s production and other guests to connect and continue the celebrations for His Holiness’s upcoming birthday.
Tenchoe Gyatso extended profound gratitude to the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey, the choir group, performers, and Wisdom Publications for their invaluable contributions. The successful “Kundun with Martin Scorsese” event not only paid homage to His Holiness’s profound legacy but also underscored the lasting cultural and spiritual impact of Kundun, a film that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Disney burried KUNDUN to curry favor with the CCP. It was truly a crime against cinema because Scorsese’s chronicle of the Dalai Lama’s early years is a masterwork. Tribeca deserves credit for screening it to celebrate Scorsese’s 90th. Review up here: https://t.co/leu0c46mvs pic.twitter.com/oNlqL1T9Yq
— Joe Bendel (@JoeBendel1) June 5, 2025
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Additional Information:
Kundun (1997): This biographical drama vividly portrays the early life of the 14th Dalai Lama, from his childhood in Tibet to his exile in 1959. The film is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography by Roger Deakins and its evocative score by Philip Glass, earning critical acclaim for its respectful and artistic portrayal of Tibetan culture and spirituality.
Tribeca Film Festival: Co-founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, the Tribeca Film Festival has grown into a major cultural cornerstone in New York City, serving as a prominent global platform for independent films and attracting filmmakers, actors, and audiences from around the world.
International Campaign for Tibet (ICT): Established in 1988, the ICT is dedicated to promoting human rights and democratic freedoms for the Tibetan people. The Office of Tibet, North America, serves as the official liaison for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the region.
