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 The
Monk Who Would Be a Director
Neten Chokling on "Milarepa"
by Larry Jaffee
...
Continued from Previous Page
StudentFilmmakers: How long ago had
you written the script for Milarepa?
Neten Chokling: Two months back before the day
of the shooting/filming. As I told you, Milarepa had been in my
thoughts for many years, but he materialized only two months prior
to the actual day of the filming.
StudentFilmmakers: It seemed like you
had fun with special effects, which I assumed were computer-generated,
such as the rocket-fast runner; the fire and brimstone; the floating
stones, which reminded me of the Harry Potter films. Were they
an influence at all?
Neten Chokling: The special effects were not
influenced by the Harry Potter films. If one reads the biography
of Milarepa, as well as some of the other saints of Tibet, their
stories are brimming with such effects.
Yes, all were computer generated except for that big boulder.
We had ten monks on top of the hill, trying to roll down that
boulder. It took them two days to sort of uproot it from the ground.
But the boulder coming down on the people was definitely computer
generated.
StudentFilmmakers: Do you have plans
to make films other than with a Buddhist theme? Any hope to work
for a Hollywood studio on an American project?
Neten Chokling: Even if I don’t make a “traditional”
film, I would definitely like to make something with a Buddhist
touch. I have no hopes that I would ever work with a Hollywood
studio. Since I have no experience, I think it is maybe difficult
to work with big people. So, maybe I should stick with independent
films and work with small people.
StudentFilmmakers: What type of feedback
have you received from audiences?
Neten Chokling: Until now, (maybe they didn’t
tell me their honest thoughts) it has been very positive. They
are very appreciative of the fact that this film has been made.
I think the messages within this film are striking people’s hearts
in today’s turmoiled world.
StudentFilmmakers: What’s your impression
of the international film festival circuit?
Neten Chokling: I think it depends on what type
of festival you are going to. Some festivals are good to go because
all the business is there (market/distributors). Some festivals
are a good way to get noticed. Some festivals are basically a
way to lose money (buying your own tickets, lodging, etc.).
StudentFilmmakers: Any final advice
for aspiring filmmakers?
Neten Chokling: Definitely. If your film is “commercial,”
you’d have an easier time getting funds. If you want to make an
art (independent) film, it is difficult to make because of the
limited audience, and hence, limited budget. I found that there
is still a way to make your “dream film” (independent). Don’t
think what you would like to make, you should make “what people
want.” One should apply this for one’s FIRST film, get some money
and then proceed on to their independent films. I found it quite
important.
The film's website is www.milarepafilm.com.
This article may not be reprinted in print
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Photos may not be copied or reproduced.
Check out this article in the October 2006 print edition
of StudentFilmmakers magazine, pages 14-16; 18 &
19 . Click here to get a copy of the October 2006 Edition,
so you can read and enjoy all of the excellent articles inside.
About the Author:
 Larry
Jaffee is a New York-based freelance writer specializing in the
entertainment and media business. His writing has been published
by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Hollywood Reporter,
and Billboard, among numerous other publications. He
may be reached at lsjaffee [ at ] gmail [ dot ] com.
Resources:
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