Buddhist Film Foundation

04/09/2026

Bay Area—Sunday, April 12, 4:30pm: please join poet Jane Hirshfield and director Haydn Reiss in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of poet Robert Bly, at a screening of the acclaimed film ROBERT BLY: A THOUSAND YEARS OF JOY.

the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael —Tix, trailer, and info: https://rafaelfilm.cafilm.org/robert-bly/

03/26/2026

Bay Area—Save the Date: in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of poet Robert Bly, a screening of the acclaimed film ROBERT BLY: A THOUSAND YEARS OF JOY will be presented at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael on April 12, 4:30pm with director Haydn Reiss in person, joined by poet Jane Hirshfield in conversation, moderated by our own Gaetano Kazuo Maida. Tix and info: https://rafaelfilm.cafilm.org/robert-bly/

03/04/2026

a well-researched and knowing obituary for the late David Chadwick by the veteran editor-at-large at Tricycle, Joan Duncan Oliver.

As Shunryu Suzuki’s biographer and the archivist of SFZC, he kept the memory of the beloved Soto Zen master alive.

03/01/2026

David Reich Chadwick's recent death in Bali at 81 has evoked an enormous outpouring of grief and affection from all over. he never sought attention or even credit for his amazing contributions at Cuke.com and the Cuke VIdeo YouTube channel. here's a delightful podcast he did alone (these were usually with a guest), telling stories of the early days at Tassajara (and even before): https://youtu.be/jg69hMYRv4Y?si=LhcOQdBvt0chPk2h

Source:https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-nvvm5-19eded0DC (me) tells more Tassajara stories as an addendum to the to the Tuesday Dec. 9 SFZC Zoom event with Edwa...

02/24/2026

David Chadwick, the author of the celebrated biography of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, CROOKED CUCUMBER, has died at his home in Bali, soon after a Stage Four cancer diagnosis. he was 81 and at work on Vol. 3 of TASSAJARA STORIES. surely a full obit and memorials will follow; he was much appreciated. thank you, David, and okay. 🙏

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1373919208113580&id=100064865405388

David Chadwick Has Passed Away

Announcement from Abbot David:

San Francisco Zen Center is deeply saddened to hear that David Chadwick died today at his home in Bali. His son Kelly was with him and I understand that his passing was quite peaceful. We will know more in the days to come, including information on ceremonies and memorials. Meanwhile, there is likely to be information appearing on cuke.com.

If you would like to share a memory of David or express your appreciation, please do so on his In Memoriam page (bit.ly/46sjzZZ)

Our deepest bows and appreciation to David, who was indefatigable in his care for the history and memories of Suzuki Roshi and SFZC's founding years. Our hearts and thoughts go out to David's loved ones at this tender time of loss.

02/23/2026

BAY AREA: sneak preview—JUST OUR HEART
One time only: this Thursday, February 26, 6:30pm
Sequoia Theater in Mill Valley

This special film features Roshi Joan Halifax. Director Maartje Nevejan (DESCENDING THE MOUNTAIN) will attend, with special guest Frank Ostaseski; moderated by Gaetano Kazuo Maida.

Tix , trailer, and info: www.sequoiafilm.org/just-our-heart

02/15/2026

Khyentse Foundation is honoring our late friend and board member Steven Goodman as part of the upcoming Goodman Lecture given by the inimitable Prof. Donald Lopez at CIIS in SF on March 6. It’s free and you can attend in person or via livestream but you have to register (links in the announcement below). please share with any you know who might appreciate this special event, thanks, and hope to see you!
https://fb.watch/Fi3c2eYEGT/

02/13/2026

Bay Area: our friends at American Himalayan Foundation (AHF) are bringing back WISDOM OF HAPPINESS for two fundraising events in support of their ongoing work with Tibetan refugees. tickets still available for the Wed., February 18 screening at 6pm at The Roxie Theater in SF, with a reception preceding at 4:30. Hosted by AHF president Norbu Tenzing, with SFZC's Kevin Starbard. Tix and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-american-himalayan-foundation-presents-wisdom-of-happiness-at-the-roxie-tickets-1979756068695?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/12/2026

BAY AREA: our friends at American Himalayan Foundation are bringing back the Dalai Lama film WISDOM OF HAPPINESS. tickets remain for the February 18th benefit screening at the Roxie Theater beginning with a reception at 4:30pm followed by the film (the Lark Theater screening is SOLD OUT). hosted by AHF president Norbu Tenzing, with Kevin Starbard from SFZC. Tix and info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-american-himalayan-foundation-presents-wisdom-of-happiness-at-the-roxie-tickets-1979756068695?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.facebook.com/HimalayanFdn/posts/pfbid02T3Ya3BCDTAD5B1wjeJ1g4eXgW42TKLvdsmWUaYHDWYqt1Y5zv353x7ts68hVuTp9l

You may have seen His Holiness the Dalai Lama—but you’ve never heard him speak like this.