EXCLUSIVE: Abramorama has acquired North American theatrical rights to Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis’s documentary Wisdom of Happiness, featuring a heart-to-heart conversation with spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on inner peace.
The documentary, made in collaboration with Golden Globe and SAG award-winning actor Richard Gere and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Oren Moverman, who serve as executive producer, evolves around an intimate discussion with the 90-year-old spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism.
Across the course of the conversation, the Dalai Lama reveals his thoughts on how the world needs individual inner peace to achieve global peace, and what people all over the world can do to achieve this.
Abramorama is partnering with Theorem Media to release the film in theaters across North America beginning October 17, 2025, as part of The Year of Compassion, a global celebration set in motion on the Dalai Lama’s recent 90th birthday.
“We created the partnership between our organizations to bring the most important films of our time to audiences that have the capacity to change our future,” said Abramorama CEO Karol Martesko-Fenster and Theorem Media CEO Douglas Dicconson.
“The experience of thoughtful reflection, honest discussion about the times we are living through that this film creates, particularly when seen on a large screen, is truly remarkable and something audiences of all backgrounds and affiliations will find refreshing in this time of social and political upheaval. The Dalai Lama presents the honest truth that strong leadership is born from the pursuit of knowledge, kindness, empathy and of course, happiness.”
The film has already screened theatrically to critical and audience acclaim in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Greece, and Spain.
With cinematography by long-time Dalai Lama documentarian Manuel Bauer, the film combines unprecedented access, powerful cinematic visuals, and never-before-seen archival material to provide a once-in-a-lifetime audience with the Dalai Lama; delivering calm, clarity, joy and humor from the inspirational global leader.
“This humble yet extraordinary man has lived a long life of unparalleled meaning, inspiring people everywhere. His 90 years are saturated with kindness, love and compassion… driven by a fearless, diamond-like wisdom that engages a deeply divided world. Unbreakable,” said Gere.
Directors Miller and Delaquis welcomed the North American theatrical distribution deal with Abramorama.
“We’re thrilled to bring Wisdom of Happiness to North American audiences. This meditative, immersive film reveals how each of us holds the key to lasting happiness. With the Dalai Lama’s powerful presence, the film transmits hope, serenity, and a deep sense of oneness,” they said.
“It was an honor to collaborate with Richard Gere and Oren Moverman, whose insight and commitment shaped the project. The Dalai Lama also reminds us that the feminine principle is urgently needed in today’s world, even suggesting the next Dalai Lama could be female. At its core, the film is a call to compassion, joy, and a more harmonious world.”
Wisdom of Happiness is produced by Das Kollektiv für audiovisuelle Werke and Mons Veneris Films Production, and executive produced by Richard Gere, Oren Moverman, Walo Kamm, Tashi Albertini-Kaiser, Hanspeter & Monlam Maurer-Adotsang, Tobias Asch and Anette Werenfels.
Music is by Ariel Marx. Editing by Isai Oswald and Mike Selemon. Cinematography by Manuel Bauer. Autlook Films handles worldwide sales.
