Jigme Lhundrup is the "Yangsi", the reincarnation of a greatly revered Tibetan Buddhist spiritual master. He must train to uphold this legacy from the age of four. Even with the loving support of his teachers and family the way forward is not always clear. Questions begin to arise about the place of his tradition in the modern world, and his own abilities. In this documentary film, director Mark Elliott ("The Lion's Roar", "Bodhisattva") follows a journey spanning fourteen years, culminating in the Yangsi's introduction to the world as a young man, when he must fully assume the mantle of his predecessor. With unprecedented access, "Yangsi" explores everyday life within a mystical tradition and reveals the unusual spirit of the boy at its center. Shot on location in Bhutan, Nepal, India, France, and the United States. Read More
"Yangsi" is the most personal film I have made. The young boy at the center of this film has a lot to live up to. His previous incarnation was known to millions as a great saint. How does he does he deal with the expectations placed upon him? How does a spiritual tradition evolve in modern circumstances that are so different from those of the boy's previous incarnation, who spent more than twenty years as a yogi in retreat in mountain solitude? In answer to these questions I found a decency and wisdom throughout the filmmaking. Ultimately making "Yangsi" was for me an affirmation of the goodness of human nature and how it can be made manifest.
Yangsi in New York City
[caption id="attachment_1110" align="alignleft" width="300"] Wednesday, March 6th Director Mark Elliott met with Kino Lorber executives to sign the distribution deal which will see 'Yangsi' as one of their 4 films for this year's 'Alive Mind' theatrical release line up. Here [read more]
Steamplant Theater screens Yangsi in Salida, CO
Salida is a ski town with an interesting arts scene, in the Roaring Fork valley on the other side of Poncha Pass from Crestone, and a place our film team always enjoys to visit. Recently their "Steamplant" has been renovated [read more]
Yangsi Plays at Cornerstone Arts Center, CO Springs
The Saturday January 26th, 2013 screening of Yangsi at Colorado College's 'Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center' was attended by an enthusiastic crowd ranging in age from 7 to 80. Mark Elliott was unable to attend this screening so I [read more]
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What People Are Saying About Yangsi
This is a film I will watch again and again
I thought this a well directed and edited film. Lovely referencing and images of HH.DK. along with the new incarnation taking us through to the Yangsi in the present day. Also good bonus material. Really heartfelt interviews with H.E. Rabjam Rinpoche,Matthiue Ricard and the Yangsi's family.I think the film also conveyed the importance of the Yangsi receiving authentic teachings and empowerments from a line of authentic teachers.This is so important for the Yangsi to mature in to the global responsibilities that he is now taking on. This is a film I will watch again and again. Very well done and thank you for making this film.
Watching is a blessing in itself
Watching Yangsi felt like a privilege: that of sharing space and time with great beings (all the masters that we see). It is also interesting to witness how continuity goes about from one life to another. After watching, there is a sense of tranquility. Even non-buddhists will appreciate.
Charming and touching!
What a charming and touching film. Something I haven't thought about is what the continuation of a soul from one person to the next would be like. The film does a wonderful job following this. It is not anything that we can see easily - because the body is changed. What touched me most was how in him there is a wonderful blend of feelings and mind. Thank you again, and congratulations to you, for creating such a thoughtful and interesting film. Elyn.
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