Feature Documentary | 96 min | UK
AKONG: A Remarkable Life
The first feature documentary about Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche—teacher, spiritual leader, and doctor of Tibetan medicine—whose compassion-in-action changed lives across Tibet, Nepal, India, Africa, and the West.
Directed by Chico Dall’Igna
Quick Facts
Key details about the film.
- Release
- March 2017
- Runtime
- 96 minutes
- Languages
- Tibetan / English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Director / Editor / Producer
- Chico Dall’Igna
- Available On
- Vimeo On Demand, DVD (Samye Ling Shop), and select community screenings.
Official Trailer
About the Film
AKONG: A Remarkable Life traces the extraordinary journey of Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, born in Kham (Eastern Tibet) and recognized as a reincarnate tulku at a young age. In 1959, amid escalating Sino-Tibetan tensions, he joined a perilous 10-month trek across the Himalayas to India—an ordeal few survived.
Resettling first in India and later in the UK, Akong Rinpoche co-founded Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery & Tibetan Centre in Scotland in 1967—the first Tibetan Buddhist centre in the West—and helped introduce authentic Tibetan Buddhist teachings to generations of students.
Through ROKPA and allied initiatives, Akong Rinpoche supported medical, educational, and humanitarian projects across Asia and Africa. The film interweaves rare archival footage, interviews, and on-the-ground material to capture a life defined by compassion, pragmatism, and service.
Why Watch
Definitive Portrait
A definitive portrait of a major 20th-century Tibetan teacher and humanitarian.
Historical Significance
Documents the 1959 exile experience and its ripple effects.
Living Legacy
Highlights Samye Ling’s role in establishing Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Community & Audience Reviews
“Informative and deeply engaging… a tour de force.”
“Beautiful, meaningful, inspiring.”
“A true portrayal of Akong Rinpoche’s incredible life.”
“A must-see film.”
Awards & Festivals
Selections/awards include Buddhist Film Festival Europe (BFFE). The film has screened at 50+ venues worldwide since March 2017.
Where to Watch
Community Screenings
Periodic showings at Samye centres and partner venues. For upcoming events, follow the film’s Facebook page.
Follow on Facebook →About Akong Rinpoche
Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche (1939–2013) was a tulku of the Karma Kagyu lineage, co-founder of Kagyu Samye Ling and of the charitable network later known as ROKPA. His work combined spiritual training with practical aid—medicine, education, and relief projects across Asia and Africa.
The Filmmakers
Chico Dall’Igna
Director / Editor / Producer
Filmmaker and educator creating films across documentary, arts, and humanitarian topics.
Jörg Wagner
Producer
Producer of documentaries and communications for NGOs and arts organisations.
Gerry McCulloch
Cinematographer
Photographer/cinematographer with credits in documentary and education.
Host a Screening
Bring AKONG: A Remarkable Life to your cinema, campus, or community.
- Venue requirements and tech spec (DCP/HD file)
- Optional Q&A with the filmmakers
- Outreach materials (poster, stills, one-sheet)
Enquiries: [email protected]
Press Kit
Resources for media and press.
- Synopsis (100/250/500 words)
- Director bio + statement
- Stills (web + print) & Poster
Contact: [email protected]
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