On Sunday, 13 September 2026, the new documentary Dalai Lama – My Religion is Kindness will premiere at Pathé Tuschinski in Amsterdam. The film, by Dutch director and producer Babeth Mondini VanLoo, looks back at the Dalai Lama’s visits to the Netherlands and explores the lasting impact of his message of compassion and nonviolence on the people who meet him.
The documentary captures several remarkable encounters with the Dalai Lama. Among others, former parliamentarian Erica Terpstra, philosopher and ecologist Matthijs Schouten, Professor Caroline Nevejan and banker Sander Tideman share their personal experiences and memories of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The Dalai Lama has been visiting the Netherlands since 1973. Over the years, these visits have brought him into contact with people from a wide range of social and professional backgrounds. According to Mondini VanLoo, he has consistently left an indelible impression on those he meets.
Through her personal and cinematic approach, the director seeks to explore what lies behind this extraordinary appeal. From her perspective as a female artist, she portrays the Dalai Lama not only as a world leader, but also as a human being, showing the impact his presence and message can have on others.
A central thread running through the documentary is the personal relationship between the director and the Dalai Lama. Against the backdrop of a world marked by war, conflict and geopolitical tensions, the Dalai Lama continues to speak tirelessly in favor of nonviolence, compassion and human connection.
Mondini VanLoo describes the film as a gift to the Tibetan community and to the world: “a medicine against hatred and war.” The documentary shows how the essence of the Dalai Lama’s approach to life – kindness and compassion – can offer hope for what he himself describes as ‘One Humanity’.
Following its premiere in Amsterdam, Dalai Lama – My Religion is Kindness will be screened in cinemas across the Netherlands.
The scheduled screenings are:
The documentary offers a unique overview of the relationship between the Dalai Lama and the Netherlands, as well as the people who have been touched by his presence and message.
The 2026 Tibet Film Days are a joint initiative this year of ICT Europe and the BFFE.
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