Help Bring Lama Ani Pelma's Story to Life

Logline

This documentary explores the life of one of the first American Black Buddhist Nuns who founded Three Jewels, now a non-profit that gives away thousands of dollars in scholarships, which began as her offering meditation and tea in a little book shop.

Synopsis

Lama Ani Pelma was a Tibetan Buddhist Nun who not only co-founded Three Jewels, a 501c3 Non-profit in the East Village, but also completed two separate three-year silent retreats. For ten years, Lama Pelma was a student of the masters at Sera Mey Monastery in southern India.

This documentary will explore Lama Pelma’s road to Buddhism, what she accomplished as a Buddhist, and the legacy she left behind. We will tell this story with archival footage, interviews with those who knew her best, and the beautiful music of Tibetan Buddhism.

Cost Breakdown

Director's Statement

Filmmaking is a universal language. It is a tool to weave together untold stories to people who need them. Films have been a source of truth and humanity for me.

I feel like my whole life I have been searching for answers. Answers about who we are, what we are doing here, and what gives us purpose. Something shifted for me when I found Buddhism and Three Jewels. I finally felt like I was getting answers to those questions and access to a beautiful community.

Lama Pelma’s picture on the altar always sparked my curiosity, and so I knew I had to investigate who she was. Looking up to her as not only a Black woman in Buddhism but also a fierce practitioner, I have loved uncovering her amazing story. One so nuanced, profound, and intriguing that it must be shared. It must be shared for all of the women, people of color, and minorities who need a reminder that it’s ok to break stereotypes. But so much more of this story is about just a person, no labels attached, who decided to build something from nothing and truly touched the hearts of hundreds of people.

Bringing the truths I have found in my new relationship with Buddhism to the incredible language of film is a dream.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to continue this journey with you all!

Sincerely,

Solange

Director’s Bio

Solange Sai is a filmmaker currently pursuing a Film & Television BFA at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is a Cuban and Ghanian first-generation American. Originally from Tampa, Florida, Solange moved to New York in 2021. Some of her favorite films include Call Me By Your Name, George Harrison: Living in the Material World, and Roma. She is inspired by works that center around artists, rich cultures, spirituality and sexuality.