When the Iron Bird Flies

Director: Victress Hitchcock
Country: U.S.A
Year: 2013

In 1959, the Chinese invasion of Tibet threw open the doors to the mysterious realm of Tibetan Buddhism. Suddenly this rich, ancient tradition was propelled into the modern world. When the Iron Bird Flies takes us on an up-close and personal journey following the astounding path of one of the world’s great spiritual traditions from the caves of Tibet to the mainstream of Western culture. Along the way, the film tackles the provocative exchanges between Buddhist practitioners and scholars, Western scientists, psychologists, and educators now at the heart of the emergence of a genuine Western tradition of Buddhism. 

The film investigates the question, “In these increasingly challenging times, can these age-old teachings help us find genuine happiness and create a saner, more compassionate 21st century world?”

Both a fascinating tour of history and a compelling portrait of contemporary spiritual life, the film weaves a vivid and entertaining mosaic of the world of Tibetan Buddhism as it is manifesting in America and the West today.

Throughout the month, director and producer Victress Hitchcock, as well as the film’s editor, Catherine Hollander, will be available to answer any questions you have about the making of the film. Post your questions and comments below, and they will get back to you soon.

When the Iron Bird Flies was shown last summer as part of our online film festival. Since then, the film has been re-cut and re-edited. What we’re featuring this month is the final version. Enjoy!