Richard Gere discusses Dalai Lama Documentary ‘Wisdom of Happiness,’ His 20-Year Oscar Ban and Donald Trump: ‘I Can’t Understand What He Has Done to This Country’

Richard Gere plays a deeply involved role in Wisdom of Happiness, a documentary centered on his decades-long friendship with the Dalai Lama. Ive never invested so much effort to ensure a film Im connected with reaches audiences, Gere says. Having met the spiritual leader roughly 45 years ago, he adds, This project feels crucial, and I want to dedicate all my energy to sharing it. At the very least, it might plant a seed of thought in those who watch.

The documentary captures the Dalai Lama at age 89, speaking directly to viewers as if in an intimate conversation. Gere came on board as executive producer after directors Philip Delaquis and Barbara Miller presented him with an early version. Working alongside writer-director Oren Moverman, he helped re-edit the film and incorporate a new musical score.

Throughout the film, the Dalai Lama recounts his childhood and family experiences while offering reflections on happiness. He emphasizes compassion and service as essential to attaining inner peace. When I first saw it about a year ago, I thought of his approaching 90th birthday, Gere recalls. I realized we could enhance it even further. But as the world grew more chaotic, the film took on an unexpected significanceit has a sort of healing quality in these times of turmoil.

Gere explains that the Dalai Lama encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and examine themselves. Were heading in the wrong direction, and the last few years have worsened that. Even basic kindness is missing from our interactions. Much of this stems from our leaders, particularly the current one. We all share responsibility for the state of our country. To create a better society, we must elect leaders who share our vision and guide us toward greater possibilities.

When asked whether the Dalai Lamas message could reach someone like Donald Trump, Gere admits uncertainty. I hope it would. I pray it would. But its hard to imagine explaining the impact of his actions on the country. Its truly astonishing and almost beyond comprehension.

Gere notes that many documentaries about the Dalai Lama exist, and he has seen most of them. He recalls being pitched a biopic script he found absurddepicting the CIA secretly extracting the Dalai Lama from Tibet, likening it to a Rambo-style rescue.

Since meeting the Dalai Lama, Gere has been a vocal supporter of Tibetan independence. His public criticism of China at the 1993 Academy Awards led to a 20-year ban from presenting at the ceremony, which he did not resume until 2013. He says this never caused tension with the Dalai Lama, who occasionally sends congratulatory notes for awards but never discusses films in depth.

I never took the ban personally, Gere notes. I dont see anyone as a villain. My focus is on addressing anger, exclusion, and human rights abuses while maintaining the belief that everyone is redeemable.

The Dalai Lama has viewed parts of Wisdom of Happiness, primarily alongside his niece, Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet. He wasnt particularly interested in watching himself, Gere says. But he was delighted revisiting old memories with friends and family, reliving his childhood experiences.

Author: Zoe Harrison