“Bringing Buddhist Traditions To Life In Cinema
Today, our concerns are becoming more and more global, and yet internal. At this time in human history it seems undeniably imperative that we recognize how our life on the inside affects the world outside us. Film is my way to unify these two realms into a single field of practice. I will make films that are:
1. Authentic - characters and places that reflect living traditions
2. Thoughtful - films that cultivate mindfulness, not distraction - made from the perspective of a practitioner, applying values and principles of Buddhist traditions to the filmmaking style and perspective
3. Organic - each film has its own internal, naturally unfolding narratives and forms
4. Relevant - a voice in the ongoing conversation about the evolution of contemporary Buddhism, as well as cinema as a modern Buddhist art form
5. Inclusive - represents a broad spectrum of lived approaches to Buddhist thought and practice”
Edward Burger is a documentary filmmaker. He has lived in the Asia Region for over 25 years, but grew up in a small Ohio town, spending long days in forests and fields. His microscope was his favorite toy. He would trade it in for a camera lens much later in life. Edward studied Religious Studies at The College of Wooster and studied Buddhism abroad with Antioch University in Bodh Gaya, India. During that time he travelled to Myanmar and temporarily ordained as a monk for one month’s time, a common tradition for young Burmese men of his age - and a pivotal experience that fueled his commitment to Buddhist practices and traditions.
Following graduation Edward moved to China, where he would live for 12 years and learn to speak and read Mandarin. Hired once as an interpreter on a film set, it was then that he picked up a camera for the first time and learned the fundamentals of film production. With a Sony PD-150 DV camera in hand, Edward went off to the Zhongnan Mountains to direct his first feature documentary film - Amongst White Clouds. Edward has since directed three feature documentaries - One Mind, The Mountain Path, and A Life in Shadows - and is producing a series of short films on Buddhist life and practice that includes Vows and Alms. He currently lives with his family in Washington DC where he is producing new films on Buddhist life and thought.
Since 2012 Agnes Lam has collaborated with Edward Burger as both producer and writer in her work with One Mind Productions. But that’s just what keeps her busy on evenings and weekends. From Monday to Friday she works as Director of Programs and Training for the US Peace Corps. Previously, Agnes worked as a humanitarian aid and development professional working with International non-profits on issues threatening the safety and dignity of vulnerable women and children in developing countries.
After moving to Asia in 2008, Agnes began practicing vipassana meditation, which has radically changed the way she sees her work. She believes that it is essential to ground social action in contemplative practice if we hope to build a kinder and healthier future for humanity and for Earth. As a filmmaker Agnes enjoys helping people find their voice. She produces films that empower through telling stories with dignity and authenticity. Most recently she acted as both producer and writer for Commonfolk Films’ newest films, The Mountain Path and One Mind.