One of the most important legends in Asian history updated for today's audiences. And the subject of the first Korean film that was globally acclaimed from Cannes to Locarno — the classic "Why Has Bodhidharma Gone to the West" which was filmed over 7 years. The seminal story is that in order to become the greatest Zenmaster in history, Bodhidharma had to gaze at a wall in meditation for 9 years. Hence, inspired by the Oscar-winning classic "Boyhood" that was filmed over 12 years, the Bodhidharma epic is making history as the first Asian longitudinal narrative filmed over 9 years to show the journey from the Indian Prince to a Shaolin Patriarch. Bodhidharma is filmed in every sacred Buddhist site of India as well as Japan — as well as across China, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Hong Kong —all of the countries that revere the Bodhidharma story as of seminal importance to their cultures and civilizations.
Past meets Future in a Cybernetic Age
The film traces Bodhidharma's legendary journey from South India to China where hr birthed Shaolin King Fu & Zen and then on to Japan where he met Prince Shotoku inspiring him to make Buddhism the official religion of Japan in the world's oldest written constitution. His arrival in Luoyang is not just a geographical shift, but a profound cultural and spiritual transmission in a world that shaped East Asian culture and heritage for over 1000 years right till today.
At Song Mountain, the iconic nine-year wall-gazing meditation takes on new meaning. Here, forging a new path for martial arts and Zen philosophy is told in a modern manner that blends research and authenticity with relatability for today's audiences and generations. This is the origin story of Shaolin precision, redefined.
Making Film History
Core Transmissions
Echoing the Sanskrit rednitions that made Xuanzhang China's official submission to the Oscars
Research & Authenticity
Updated for today
Nalanda & Sanskrit
This is the first film on the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu and Zen with meticulous research involving the world's leading professors and Shaolin lineage holders including historic texts in Sanskrit —more so than any other film in history.
Bodhidharma's story is one of the most important in Asian and world history — by updating it for today's audiences it becomes easier for Asians to connect with their heritage and culture.
This is the first film to detail the Nalanda genocide - the worst crime in the history of Asia. In honor of Nalanda and Xuanzhang, this film will feature more Sanskrit than any other film in history.
Explore the Masterworks
See how Hokusai, Sesshu, Musashi, and Takuan Soho inspire our cinematic vision.