LOCAL film director, Benjamin Johns, has directed the first UK film to win a Mongolian Academy Award, winning Best Documentary for ‘The Medicine Buddha’ at the ceremony in Ulan Bator last month.
Benjamin, who grew up in Edington, directed ‘The Medicine Buddha,’ a portrayal of the renowned Mongolian Buddhist leader, Khamba Lama Natsagdorj.
The film is narrated by Sir Ben Kingsley and explores both faith and science in the Lama’s eclectic, relentless humanitarian efforts.
Benjamin said, “Shooting this film was an incredible experience, and it is a great honour to be the first British filmmaker to win this award. It has been a privilege and pleasure to tell the story of such a remarkable man’s life. I am looking forward to the film reaching audiences around the world.
“It was a very challenging film to make, shooting in temperatures down to minus 35 degrees and working with my cinematographer, Gerry Vasbenter (Lord of the Rings’ camera operator) to ensure that the equipment could function as well as the crew!
“The road trip to Lama’s remote homeland Zaykhan Province was incredible and we were in the hands of local drivers and Lama’s powerful prayers to keep us safe on our journey. Mongolia is a wonderful country and the people are very friendly, warm and welcoming. The nomadic Mongolian lifestyle is one of the purest forms in existence today.”
Benjamin studied film as part of his degree and he began his career making short films for a charity about the impact of drug use in the community, as well as several public health videos for Health Education England, before venturing into feature and documentary films.
Benjamin’s parents Christopher and Anne Johns who still live in Edington said, “We are very proud of his achievements, not just to be honoured as he has been by the Academy in Mongolia but for making such a special film about a special person and his work.”
To see the trailer for ‘The Medicine Buddha’ visit www.benjaminjohnsfilm director.com.
Above: Benjamin Johns and Mongolian Buddhist leader, Khamba Lama Natsagdorj – the subject of his documentary, at the Mongolian Academy Awards.
