Prayer. Meditation. Rituals. Soccer?
World Cup soccer fever sweeps into a remote Himalayan monastery and
centuries-old traditions are threatened the young monks will do just
about anything
to watch the final match, posing a unique challenge to the venerable
lamas in charge. An inspiring tale of colliding cultures, midnight
escapades and daring secret plots."
- A true story
- Filmed on location at Chokling Monastery, India
- Vibrant 16:9 transfer direct from film to HD master
Bhutanese filmmaker Khyentse Norbu
is one of the most important incarnate lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist
tradition today. Known more widely by his ecclesiastical title, H.E. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche,
he was recognized at the age of seven as the incarnation of Jamyang
Khyentse Wangpo (1820 -1892), a great religious reformer and saint who
played a pivotal role in the revitalization and preservation of
Buddhism in Tibet in the 19th century.
As the living heir to the Khyentse lineage, Khyentse Norbu exemplifies
a non-sectarian spirit. His rigorous training in the Buddhist classical
tradition, mixed with a deep interest in the film medium, makes him one
of the most provocative interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism today. In
keeping with his lineage, he has sought to bridge both old and new, and
east and west.
Authenticity in The Cup
was paramount for Khyentse Norbu, and he chose Chokling Monastery,
situated in a Tibetan refugee settlement nestled in the foothills of
the Himalayas, as the main location for the film.
The cast was mainly drawn from members of the monastery and none had
any acting experience whatsoever, and most did not understand English.
As Khyentse Norbu's script was written in English, no scripts were
passed out in advance of the day's shoot and all actors were briefed
scene-to-scene. Dialogue was prompted and memorized on the spot, and
most scenes were completed within three takes or less - a testament to
the actors' monastic discipline and concentration.
