Berlin Film Festival award laurel - winner
Chicago Film Festival award laurel - winner
Cine Paris Film Festival award laurel - winner
Indie Fest Film Awards award laurel - winner
Impact Docs Awards award laurel - winner
Royal Star Film Festival award laurel - selection
Los Angeles Independent Women Film Awards award laurel - winner
Montreal Film Festival award laurel - nominee
Replay Film Festival award laurel - nominee
Southeast Asia International Film Festival award laurel - nominee
Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival award laurel - selection
Replay International Film Festival award laurel - selection

About the film

Meeting the Buddha presents the life and legacy of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje—the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage, one of four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The film captures the remarkable presence of this spiritual teacher, known as a Living Buddha and the King of the Yogis.

We meet Ole Nydahl, a wild young hippy from Denmark who, as a small child, had declared his wish to become the "Danish champion of mind." His life is radically transformed by a chance encounter with the Karmapa in Nepal in 1969.

Ole and his wife, Hannah, become key figures in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, founding hundreds of meditation centres—from Mexico City to Vladivostok—and carrying forward their teacher's vision with unshakable dedication.

Amid political upheaval in Tibet and cultural transformation in the West, Meeting the Buddha tells the richly historical yet deeply personal story of how timeless wisdom found its way into contemporary life. Through interviews, animation, and never-before- seen footage, this documentary honours the profound bond between teacher and student that sustains the living transmission of the Karma Kagyu lineage.

A journey beyond borders and lifetimes, unveiling the unbreakable bond between teacher and disciple, and the living transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West.

Watch the Trailer

Experience the profound journey of wisdom and transformation. Get a glimpse into the world of Meeting the Buddha.

Play Trailer

2:44 minutes

Ready to experience the full journey? Join us for a screening or learn more about the film.

The Filmmakers

Meet the creative minds behind this documentary.

Marta György-Kessler, Producer & Director & Writer - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Marta György-Kessler

Producer & Director & Writer
Jigme Rinpoche, Story Consultant - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Jigme Rinpoche

Story Consultant
Adam Penny, Co-Producer & Writer - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Adam Penny

Co-Producer & Writer
Julianne Ferenczy, Co-Producer - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Julianne Ferenczy

Co-Producer
Ash Jenkins, Editor - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Ash Jenkins

Editor
Tobias Doerr, Writer - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Tobias Doerr

Writer
CUB Animation, Animation & Visual Effects - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

CUB Animation

Animation & Visual Effects
Simon Ravn, Composer - Meeting the Buddha documentary filmmaker

Simon Ravn

Composer

Screenings & Events

Join us for special screenings, premieres, and community events around the world

UpcomingWorld Premiere

Royal Starr Film Festival

We are delighted to announce the World Premiere of Meeting the Buddha 🎬 at the Royal Starr Film Festival!

September 13., 2025
3:00 PM
Michigan
📍Birmingham Theatre

Want to Host a Screening?

Interested in organizing a community screening or special event? We'd love to bring "Meeting the Buddha" to your venue, organization, or film festival.