Experiencing Interruptions?

Guru Dragmar Cham

This is a documentary film of the auspicious Guru Dragmar Cham at the Lachen Gonpa in North Sikkim, India. This was the first time the monks of the Lachen Gonpa had performed this ritual after the passing of the late Gomchen Rinpoche.

Cham, which means "a dance" in Tibetan, originated around 760-770 AD by the Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava, who was invited to Tibet by King Trishong Detsen to combat evil spirits obstructing the building of Samye monastery.

The cham offers moral instruction relating to compassion for sentient beings and are held to bring merit to all who perceive them. Buddhist scholars believe that through cham people can recognize god in heaven, which they will encounter after death; knowing which gods to trust in the afterlife will help one to find rebirth in a good life.

These dances leave powerful karmic imprints in the minds of the people who observe them.

  • Brandon Beacon Hill
    Director
  • Brandon Beacon Hill
    Producer
  • Lachen Monks
    Key Cast
  • Lachen Villagers
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Music Video, Short
  • Genres:
    Culture, Tradition, Dance, Travel, Ceremony
  • Runtime:
    35 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    English, Tibetan
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Audience Choice Award Winner
    Lachen
    India
    March 15, 2016
    Tashiding Sikkim, India
    Audience Choice
  • FICMA, Feria Internacional De Cine De Manizales Film Festival
    Manizales
    Colombia
    August 21, 2016
    Los Fundadores
Distribution Information
  • Brandon Beacon Hill
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
    Country: India
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Brandon Beacon Hill

Brandon is a self funded adventurer, filmmaker, photographer, writer and musician.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Guru Dragmar Cham - an auspicious dance

Ever since I have known of Tibetan Cham (13 years) I have always wanted to witness one. This is my third time seeing a Cham and my first in North Sikkim and it was undoubtedly one of the most incredible events I have ever seen. The day was pure magic! I want to thank Phurba T. Tsechutharpa, Lucy Dolma Lachenpa, Tashi Choppel as well as Mr. Jho Rabjor & Family for their assistance and wonderful hospitality.