LIVEFILMS BYKIDS - Buddhism, Bhutan, and Me
18-year-old Rinzin Jurmey from Bhutan decided to become a monk and student of Buddhist cosmology when he was 11 years old. Unlike many of his more materialistic peers who attend modern schools, Jurmey enjoys a contemplative lifestyle. The small nation of Bhutan was cut off from the rest of the world until only a few decades ago, and the country uses a Gross National Happiness Index to measure economic and moral progress while promoting Buddhist spiritual values. However, tourism, technology and globalization have had a major impact on Bhutan. As Jurmey travels between his monastery, mountain village and the city, he meets with hip-hop dancers, video game enthusiasts and sports fans, seeking to understand the intersection of tradition and pop culture. With guidance from cinematographer Cat Papadimitriou, Jurmey documents the ways in which he - and his country - are striving to preserve ancient Bhutanese practices while embracing modernity.
Series Website: http://www.bykids.org
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