HOLLYWOOD HEAVYWEIGHT DIRCTORS STAR IN BUDDHISM DOCUMENTARY, TO BE SCREEN AT THE CENTURY CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Century City, CA., October 13, 2004) Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese, Bernardo Bertolucci, and the Dalai Lama star in the Refuge the John Halpern documentary that will compete in the inaugural Century City Film Festival, benefiting the Minorities In Broadcasting Training Program charity.

(The Minorities in Broadcasting Training Program was formed in 1992 to provide training opportunities to minority college graduates in television and radio news reporting, news management and film production)

The Century City Film Festival will host the West Coast premiere screening of the John Halpern documentary Refuge, the true story about Buddhism today, as told by Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, the Dalai Lama, Bernardo Bertolucci and others.

Film makers Oliver Stone, (Alexander, Nixon, JFK), Martin Scorsese (The Aviator, Gangs of New York, Casino), Italian Director Bernardo Bertolucci, The Dreamers, Stealing Beauty, Little Buddha) and spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama discuss controversial issues concerning Buddhism in the West. "Refuge offers insight into Tibetan culture and Buddhism beyond Icons and Misconceptions," says Director, John Halpern.

Refuge includes controversial subjects like: the distinction between Buddhism and Tibetan culture, Exploitation in the West in the name of Buddhism, Spiritual voyeurism and Can Buddhism survive without Tibet? Refuge blends the humor and charm of its story tellers with the beauty of India, Tibet, Nepal and the United States

Refuge is a refreshing and revitalizing experience of Buddhism and the spiritual developments in the West since the fall of Tibet in 1959. It is testimony to the vigor of spiritual pursuit and peace in times of religious turbulence and fear.

You can see Refuge along with 65 other films that will be screen at the Century City Film Festival, October 27,-October 30, 2004. For more information regarding Refuge or the Century City Film Festival please visit, www.CenturyCItyFilmFestival.com
All Media Contact:

Terrance Gillum
310-551-6649 Terrance@centurycityfilmfestival.com