Jacquelyn Pogue and Denise Dolan aren’t what one might expect when they think of Hollywood. But then again, neither is the Dalai Llama.

Regardless, that’s exactly what the pair have on their minds, having been a part of a documentary on the Dalai Lama that will be coming to Richmond June 1.
“It is a completely unique experience,” said Pogue, 66. “It’s a rare opportunity to see and be with the Dalai Lama.”

The Dalai Lama is a revered spiritual leader among Tibetans and heads the exiled government as well as being the world’s most well-known Buddhist monk.
The film, Dalai Lama Renaissance, is directed by Khashyar Darvich and narrated by Harrison Ford and has won 12 awards at various film festivals. It is scheduled for a pair of upcoming shows in the area—Sunday, June 1 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at The Byrd Theatre in Carytown.

The film includes authors, scientists, spiritual leaders, and professors involved in what are called synthesis dialogues, which are discussions driven by a little bit of anything and everything. It isn’t just about hearing the Dalai Lama but more in seeing people transformed from the experience.

Pogue and Dolan, a Richmond resident, were involved as discussion moderators. They each participated in synthesis dialogues, Pogue in India and Dolan in Italy.

“It’s not just another film about the Dalai Lama,” said Pogue, who is in the film briefly on several instances. “It’s actually an intimate, personal way to be with him and a chance to interact and experience what being with him is like.”

Dolan, 47, said seeing how the Dalai Lama would respond to participants in the dialogues was very humbling.

“You can see people being transformed,” she said.

The film, which is 80 minutes long, was shot in 1999. But it is still as poignant today as any other day.

“In the process of what is experienced, what we’d like to see is a bigger sense of community rise from this,” Pogue noted.

The two are hoping to hold a discussion on the film later next month and potentially could create a “conversation café.”

“The documentary has so many facets, from leadership and people to global and individual issues,” Dolan said. “It really is a powerful spark to bring conversations forth.”

Going on the 20-hour flight, three-hour train ride, and 12-hour bus ride to Dharamsala wasn’t easy. But being there was an experience for the ages, Pogue said.

“Show me a guru and I’ll show you my skeptical side,” she said. “I’m not a follower. But this is different because of the way he approaches you and the role model he is. He wants you to take ownership of your life and urges you to find out how to express life with inner truth. And that’s a lesson we can all learn and apply.”