SuttaCentral
“In search of a common perspective on the Buddha’s teachings, a meditation
practitioner travels the world, connecting with monks, scientists, scholars,
and fellow meditators along the way.”
It features different scholars and monks, including Ven. Anālayo.
Thank you Sphairos 
This is an excellent one-hour documentary on what Buddhism is, particularly in a Western context. (And I have a really high bar for what I call excellent!)
For example, I would feel safe showing it to someone who knows me but doesn’t understand what Buddhism is. Let’s say a family member where Buddhism just seems too far out.
It would also be helpful for someone who’s curious and is looking for a way in – especially if meditating on a cushion seems too overwhelming as a portal.
We hear from a variety of well-respect monastics from different traditions. There’s a balanced emphasis on sila and meditation. Pretty decent balance on sati and samadhi. Kamma. It’s all there. The fellow doing the documenting even describes a psychotic event from trying too hard.
It is visually beautiful. Very well done and perhaps some folks on this forum know about its production.
I feel the same way, Beth!
I want to show it to my GF 
.
Particularly captivating was the part with two Thai teachers, who are considered Enlightened.
I found it especially fresh: usually such docu-s skip this important theme. But we all practice to get Enlightened, and whether there are Enlightened persons (who can actually show you the way to Enlightenment…) is then essential. And there are, as we can see.
Would you say that it was psychotic? Panic attacks are usually not considered that. I think he “pushed” himself into something like an acute anxiety disorder with depressive overtones. Or you mean those “hellish” visions? If they happened during the practice, with closed eyes, I would also not call them psychotic. We don’t have to discuss that on the forum, as I know that this topic is not considered neutral.
The way he describes it, it sounds like he traumatized himself by pushing too hard and, maybe, exposing himself to a domain he wasn’t ready for psychologically. That’s what I meant. (Thus leading to the panic attacks which apparently he hadn’t had previously.)
Even that part, though a minor point in the documentary, seems helpful for concerned people who observe someone dear to them doing some form of “Survivor – Buddhism” reality show.
I have created an 18-minute version of the video for my own personal use — I find it inspiring to occasionally watch and would feel safe sharing it with anyone who’s interested or curious about Buddhism (family and friends in particular).
The entire video is the best presentation of what Buddhism is, for non-Buddhists, that I’ve encountered. The range of presenters with their different styles provides an opportunity for different types of people to hear what makes sense to them.
I consider the last part of the documentary on rebirth essential to the whole picture.
Due to copyright protections I am not sharing my 18-minute “mini” version with the community.
Great, thanks!
the last part of the documentary on rebirth as I consider this essential to the whole picture
I agree with most of what they said, exactly up to that point. The bit about karma and rebirth, and then “the lack of self” and “he realized that he has no self” and he gets Enlightened (whatever all that means; contradictio in adjecto to me). But we don’t have to battle out my takes on Buddhism here
Very professional editing! Great job.
It makes me wonder what you would do if you had access to the original footage to make a “take two” version. Hint!
Beth didn’t say that she did a perfect professional edit, did she?
Edited due to misunderstanding
This strikes me as harsh speech!