The Buddhist Film Festival is an online collaborative programme by the Pure Land Foundation and the Tricycle Foundation, presenting short-form films that explore Buddhist-inspired perspectives on inner life, society and contemporary experience. The programme is accompanied by a physical activation built around a mandala installation and guided sound bath, extending the themes of the films into a shared, sensory setting.

Tricycle brings its experience in digital film presentation and audience reach, while the Pure Land Foundation draws on its work around mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, shaped by Buddhist philosophy in a non-religious and accessible way. Together, the partnership approaches cinema as a reflective medium, alongside quieter, more immersive formats that allow for stillness and attention.

At the centre of the physical programme, the mandala installation acts as both visual anchor and point of reflection, informed by ideas of impermanence and interconnectedness.

The film programme is structured across five categories:

1. Narrative Short
2. Documentary Short
3. LGBTQ+ Short
4. Animation Short

These categories allow for a range of approaches, from personal storytelling and social observation to more experimental and visual forms. Across the selection, the focus remains on how ideas such as mindfulness, empathy, impermanence and interdependence can be explored through contemporary film language, without reliance on religious framing.

Taken together, the films and the mandala activation form a wider environment for reflection. The Buddhist Film Festival creates space for cinema, philosophy and lived experience to sit alongside one another, offering different ways to engage with these ideas in a way that feels grounded and relevant.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

The festival is open to filmmakers worldwide. Submissions must align with the festival’s focus on Buddhist-inspired themes, values, or perspectives, interpreted broadly and without requirement for religious content or affiliation. Filmmakers may submit to multiple categories if appropriate for their film with a maximum submission allowance of two category entries per film.

2. Film Length

Only short-form films are eligible. Each category will have a maximum running time of 10-15 minutes to be confirmed in the official submission guidelines.

3. Originality and Rights
All submissions must be original works. Filmmakers must hold all necessary rights for the film, including music, images, and any third-party content. The festival accepts no responsibility for rights infringements.

4. Language and Subtitles

Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles. Subtitles should be clearly legible and embedded or provided in an accepted format such as .srt.

5. Content Guidelines

The festival welcomes a wide range of creative expression. Submissions should engage thoughtfully with their subject matter and avoid content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or harm toward individuals or groups.

6. Selection Process

Films are selected by a curatorial panel appointed by the festival. All selection decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

7. Screening Format

Selected films may be presented online, in physical venues, or both. By submitting a film, filmmakers agree to its exhibition as part of the festival programme during the festival period.

8. Promotion and Materials

Filmmakers of selected works may be asked to provide stills, trailers, and descriptive text for promotional and archival purposes. These materials will be used solely to promote the festival and the selected films.

9. Filmmaker Participation

Where possible, selected filmmakers may be invited to take part in discussions or contextual events. Participation is optional and subject to availability.

10. Amendments

The festival reserves the right to amend these rules at any time. Any changes will be communicated through official festival channels.