THE MEDICINE BUDDHA will be celebrating its UK Premiere at the Regent Street cinema on 31st May.

Tuesday 28th May, London: The leader of the Buddhist faith in Mongolia, Khamba Lama Natsagdorj, will be in London to attend the Premiere of the documentary about his life, THE MEDICINE BUDDHA, on 31st May. Narrated by Sir Ben Kingsley (Schindler’s List, Gandhi) & written and directed by Bafta-nominated Benjamin Johns (Traveller, Nuestro Abuelo and Uncle Max), THE MEDICINE BUDDHA is the first UK film to have ever won a Mongolian Academy Award.

The Premiere will take place this Friday at the beautiful Regent Street Cinema in London and will feature a special Q&A with Khamba Lama Natsagdorj together with the director, Benjamin Johns and his cinematographer Gerry Vasbenter.

Shot over 4 weeks in temperatures falling to minus 35 degrees, this one-of-a-kind documentary is an extraordinary cinematic portrait of the renowned Mongolian Buddhist leader, Khamba Lama Natsagdorj and the beauty of Mongolia. Both faith and science are explored as the viewers are immersed in Lama’s eclectic, relentless humanitarian efforts. These include his work in the Manba Datsan Traditional Medicine Central Hospital, his Manba Datsan Monastery and the Otoch Manramba University. This depiction of the Lama’s life of focused charity reaches beyond geographical barriers to address humankind itself.

Director Benjamin Johns says:

“Shooting this film was an incredible experience, and it is a great honour to be the first British filmmaker to win this award. It has been a privilege and pleasure to tell the story of such a remarkable man’s life.  I am looking forward to the film reaching audiences around the world.”

He added: “It was a very challenging film to make, shooting in temperatures down to minus 35 degrees and working with my Cinematographer, Gerry Vasbenter (Lord of the Rings camera operator) to ensure that the equipment could function as well as the crew! The road trip to Lama’s remote homeland Zaykhan Province was incredible and we were in the hands of local drivers and Lama’s powerful prayers to keep us safe on our journey. Mongolia is a wonderful country and the people are very friendly warm and welcoming.  The Nomadic Mongolian lifestyle is one of the purest forms in existence today. “

Narrated by Sir Ben Kingsley, THE MEDICINE BUDDHA was written and directed by Bafta-nominated Benjamin Johns (Traveller, Nuestro Abuelo and Uncle Max), produced by Seis Content and financed by Premiere Picture, with David Rogers, Marcus Searancke and Alena Walker serving as Executive Producers.