A film screening, Q&A, and a guest panel will present the work of socially engaged Buddhists who provide prison outreach and support for ex-offenders in the United States
Tzu Chi USA, the American chapter of the global Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, is hosting a film screening event that celebrates compassion in action, focusing on its impact in the lives of prisoners and staff within the U.S. correctional system, and ex-offenders. The screening features four films produced by Tzu Chi USA that take us across the country.
The documentary “Second Chances” shows how the Laughing Bear Bakery and Inside Dharma in St. Louis are helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society. “Ripples from Compassionate Hearts” takes us into the world of Little Rock’s Compassion Works for All, whose powerful prison outreach began on death row. And “From Trials to Freedom,” which will have its world premiere in LA, features the work of the Prison Mindfulness Institute. The founder, Fleet Maull, served 14 years in prison himself, so the hard-earned wisdom he offers is unparalleled.
To complete the program, “The Peace Inside,” a narrative film based on a true story that begins at Rikers Island jail complex in NYC, traces a remarkable 20-year friendship between a Tzu Chi volunteer and an inmate, and reveals the transformative power of Buddhist teachings.
The film series and tour are a way for the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a global charity NGO whose humanitarian aid has now reached 95 countries, to honor other socially engaged Buddhists who take the plight of underserved groups to heart. Above all, the screening aims to inspire everyone to put compassion in action when confronted by the suffering of others.
The screening event begins at 6:30 PM PDT, at the Los Feliz Cinema, 1822 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Tickets are available on Eventbrite
