'From the World Cup to the mythical mountain kingdom of Bhutan, Words Of My Perfect Teacher is a quest for wisdom. The only problem is' the teacher. The 'perfect teacher' of the title, Khyentse Norbu, is an eminent Buddhist but also an acclaimed film director. [The Cup; Travelers and Magicians] The documentary reveals him both as a charismatic human being with a delightfully mischievous sense of humor, and as a guru with a few misgivings about his role. Guest appearances include Steven Seagal and Bernardo Bertolucci. The film features a driving soundtrack, which ranges from Sting, rap artist Kunga 19, Manu Chao, and Irving Berlin.
''I hope the end result is playful, but I also don't mind if it pushes a few buttons,' says Patten. 'No filmmaker wants their viewers completely relaxed!'
'Words Of My Perfect Teacher is playing to sold audiences around the world, including Rio De Janeiro, Amsterdam, Vladisvostok, San Francisco, Hawaii, the International HOT DOCS Festival in Toronto, 4 screenings in Vancouver, a sell-out crowd in Los Angeles, a standing room only exhibition to 1000 festival goers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. First Prize, International Rhode Island festival, Silver Award, best documentary feature World Fest, Houston."--2004 Peabody Awards entry form.
Corporate Producers: ZIJI Film & Television
Persons Appearing: Khyentse Norbu | Steven Seagal | Bernardo Bertolucci | Lesley Ann Patten
Broadcast Date: 4-May-04
