In preparation for the campus visit of the Dalai Lama, the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s student ambassador program has teamed up with other students and local initiatives to screen an informational documentary about the Dalai Lama and history of Tibet. The screening of the documentary “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama,” will take place on May 8, the Wednesday before his lecture, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the EMU.
The documentary is brought to campus as a collaborative effort between MNCH Ambassadors, the ASUO, City of Eugene Parks and Recreation and the student initiative UO Beyond War. According to event coordinator Carl Bell, the movie screening presents a valuable opportunity to bridge group boundaries to provide an educational experience.
“Bringing people together to accomplish something that would benefit the campus is a really great experience,” Bell said. “(We’re) offering our campus an educational and cultural learning opportunity.”
“10 Questions for the Dalai Lama,” documents the journey of writer and producer Rick Ray through India on the way to an  interview with Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, in which he is allowed 10 questions to address philosophical questions and current affairs. Coordinators of the screening hope to help shed light on the purpose behind the Dalai Lama’s message, and educate about the history and importance of his place in society.
“I think it’s really important for anyone who’s going (to the Dalai Llama’s presentation) to have some background on the Dalai Lama and his cultural significance,” MNCH Ambassador Erin Christ said. “I’m really excited to present this as an educational opportunity.”