International Buddhist Film Festival Europe

The sixth edition of the International Buddhist Film Festival Europe takes place in Amsterdam's De Balie and Compagnietheater. This year's theme: Japan; and the relationship of human beings and nature. And there's a side programme about Burma to boot.

Manga mastery and punk rock zen

The festival's opening film is the first part of Osamu Tezuka's Buddha anime trilogy, which is based on the grand master's original manga from the 70s (parts two and three will also be screened). Other highlights include Shugendo Now, a Canadian documentary about the many mysterious rituals and religious practices performed in Japan's Kumano mountains; Abraxas, a feature film about a young Buddhist monk who struggles to unite his love for punk music with his spiritual life; and Aung San Suu Kyi - Lady of No Fear, the Danish documentary about the Burmese freedom fighter.

Across disciplines

In addition to the many films and documentaries that fill the festival's schedule, there's also room for a panel discussion about Japan in the wake of 2011's disasters and a youth programme named Bodhi TV.