In Searching for Sacred Mountain, viewers embark on a journey through the pristine Nianbaoyuze mountain range, home to the revered Tibetan monastery at Baiyu. The documentary centers on Liu Jianqiang, an environmental journalist and newly converted Buddhist, as he explores the intricate relationship between religion, the environment, and China's ecological future. Highlighting the commitment of senior Chinese officials to an 'ecological civilization,' this short film delves into how traditional culture influences China's approach to environmental challenges.
Dr. Lü Zhi, a conservation biologist from Peking University, sheds light on the success of Buddhist communities in preserving ancient forests. She emphasizes the Buddhist philosophy of protection through self-discipline, contrasting it with punitive laws or financial incentives. The documentary uncovers the deep-rooted Tibetan tradition of environmental stewardship through interviews with Tibetan lamas, Tashi Sange and Qiamei Rinpoche, and sinologist Martin Palmer.
Directed by Gary Marcuse and Shi Lihong, the film captures the stunning landscapes, wild animals, and ancient ecological reserves maintained by Tibetan Buddhists. Narrated by PBS correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro, Searching for Sacred Mountain poses a compelling question: Could traditional Tibetan culture offer a sustainable solution for China's environmental future? Presented by Face to Face Media and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, this 20-minute documentary offers a thought-provoking exploration of faith, nature, and conservation.
There is only one critique of this film I feel necessary to address: Searching for Sacred Mountain can sometimes be quite dry. However, the 20-minute runtime and fantastic analysis of a recent socio-ecological advance in China and Tibet make this almost a non-issue. There are a lot of moving parts in this fantastic documentary, giving nearly everyone a little taste of something they find interesting. Those who love comparative religion will find themselves enthralled by Liu Jianqiang’s journey from atheism to sincere faith while the ecologically minded will be fascinated by the modern-day conservation implications of Tibetan Buddhism. Still more will be drawn in for the honest and intriguing documentation of traditional life in modern-day Tibet. This fantastic documentary is a must-have for public library collections or environmental studies classrooms. Highly Recommended.
What type of subject would this educational documentary resource be suitable for?
Environmental Studies: Searching for Sacred Mountain explores the intricate relationship between religion, culture, and environmental conservation, highlighting the success of traditional Tibetan culture in preserving natural resources.
Religious Studies: The film delves into the Buddhist philosophy of protection through self-discipline and examines how religious beliefs influence environmental stewardship.
Cultural Studies: Searching for Sacred Mountain provides insights into Tibetan culture, traditions, and values, particularly regarding their approach to nature and conservation.
Anthropology: The educational documentary offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and practices of Tibetan communities, showcasing their deep-rooted connection to the environment.
Sociology: It examines the impact of cultural and religious beliefs on societal attitudes towards environmental issues and conservation efforts.
How does this film contribute to a discussion of environmental or climate justice and environmental literacy?
Searching for Sacred Mountain questions how the role of spirituality can impact efforts for environmental conservation. Through its examination of traditional Tibetan practices, the educational documentary provokes discussion of diverse approaches to environmental protection. Overall, Searching for Sacred Mountain encourages viewers to reconsider mainstream perspectives and embrace alternative pathways to sustainability.
Download the complete guide for free at https://globalenvironmentaljustice.com
About the Global Environmental Justice Documentaries Project:
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The Global Environmental Justice (GEJ) Collection is a curated selection of 48 documentaries with teacher’s guides selected by faculty from Whittier College, Yale, Brandeis, Bates and NYU. Aided by support from the Henry Luce Foundation and the Global Reporting Centre, the project provides an interdisciplinary collection of documentaries that explore the intersections of such topics as human rights, environmental degradation, colonization, global development, and climate change.More than 80 college and university libraries have hosted more than 16,000 screenings to date with a total viewing time of 330,000 minutes. Video Librarian commissioned 20 reviews of films in the award-winning collection which was also also reviewed by Choice..
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