New York, United States: As Tibetans continue to observe the Ghoton “Year of Compassion,” a screening of the film “Wisdom of Happiness” was held on 11 October 2025, in the Queens area of New York City. The film highlights His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound vision of cultivating compassion as an essential human value.
The screening was organised by the Museum of the Moving Image in collaboration with Abramolama, a global film organisation. Ticket distribution and community outreach were assisted by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey, and the Office of Tibet in Washington, D.C.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, Republican members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Geshe Thupten Lhundup (also known as Nicky Vreeland), former Abbot of Rato Monastery; renowned actor and Tibet supporter Richard Gere; Tencho Gyatso President of International Campaign for Tibet (ICT); Kunga Tashi, Tibetan Liaison Officer from the Office of Tibet in North America (Washington, D.C.); and Kelsang Tsering, President of the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey.
Also in attendance were Chokhor Rinpoche, Othok Rinpoche, Lama Tsewang Rinpoche, and other heads and representatives of various religious centres in the New York area. The audience also included representatives from non-governmental organisations, as well as foreigners, Himalayan communities, and the local Tibetan community. In total, approximately 200 people attended the film screening.
Following the screening, Congressman Michael McCaul, former abbot Geshe Thupten Lhundup, renowned actor Richard Gere, and ICT President Tencho Gyatso participated in a discussion with the audience for about half an hour. During this time, Congressman McCaul shared his impressions from his 2024 visit to Dharamsala and spoke about Tibet-related issues. Geshe Thupten Lhundup shared his impressions of the film, while discussion moderator Richard Gere offered thanks, and Tencho Gyatso provided context on His Holiness’s 90th birthday celebration and briefed on the background of the Year of Compassion.
In conclusion, Kelsang Tsering, President of the NY and NJ Tibetan Community Association, offered khatags (ceremonial scarves) and commemorative thangka to the panellists, and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support for Tibet and the Tibetan people.
The International Campaign for Tibet also distributed informational materials to all attendees, including “A Human Approach to World Peace” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other related resources.
“Wisdom of Happiness” is a documentary film that presents His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision of cultivating compassion within individuals, drawing lessons from the tragedies of 20th-century wars to help shape the 21st century into an era of peace. The film is the result of years of dedicated effort by directors Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, actor Richard Gere, writer and producer Oren Moverman, and many others who contributed to its creation.
–Report filed by the Office of Tibet, Washington DC
