Editor

Buddhist Film Festival 2009: A new world perspective on Buddhist ideas and inspiration Presented at the Barbican: May 7th to 17th
The International Buddhist Film Festival is coming to London to offer the United Kingdom a fresh perspective on world cinema with a Buddhist touch. It will celebrate Buddhist ideas and inspiration represented in all film, from Eastern documentaries to Hollywood blockbusters; showing more than 40 films from 18 countries including 27 UK premieres.

The International Buddhist Film Festival takes place at the Barbican from Thursday May 7 to 17th, the first time it has visited the UK. The IBFF showcases cinema which inspires a fresh perspective on Buddhism from around the globe - including films incorporating broader Buddhist themes and ideas as well as movies made by Buddhists. The festival is bringing 27 UK premieres to London as well as an incredible selection of features, documentaries and shorts. Special strands include Profiles and Mind the Gap, and the festival looks forward to welcoming special

guest speakers and filmmakers - including some well-known names.

IBFF 2009 LONDON is presented as part of The Many Faces of Buddhism - a city-wide celebration of Buddhist ideas and values through the arts. It is sponsored by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation whose new Gallery of Asian Buddhist Sculptures at the V&A opens on 29 April. A series of arts events including an International forum on Buddhism and the Arts Today and A Day of Rare Buddhist Dances will be held at the V&A in celebration of the Gallery inauguration while IBFF 2009 LONDON will take place at East London's cultural hub The Barbican.