Early Footage
The Joy of Curiosity
A new documentary by
Kum-Kum Bhavnani
Documentary | 2026 | HD
The Joy of Curiosity takes us on an intimate journey, in India, into contemporary Buddhist monastic life. Through the voices of Tibetan nuns and monks engaging deeply with science, the film reveals monastic worlds alive with inquiry. Far from opposing spiritual practice, scientific curiosity is a vital thread, woven into rituals, debates, and daily life. As generations navigate legacies of exile and sacrifice, The Joy of Curiosity explores the fusion of wisdom and knowledge and illustrates its promise for the future of monastic communities and the spiritual worlds they sustain.
Audio language: English, Tibetan
Subtitles language: English
Director: Kum-Kum Bhavnani
Story: Kum-Kum Bhavnani, Ryan Pettey
Cinematographer: Skye Borgman
Sound Recordist: Ashoke Ghosh
Digital Imaging Technician: Jim Tonge
Composer: Arun Ghosh
Lead Editor: Ryan Pettey
Additional Music: Ngawang Lodup
Assistant Editor: Dharitha (Dee) Pathirana
Additional Editing: Zakary Hori
Associate Producers: Bryce Johnson, Tenzin Paldon, Sheena Malhotra
Translations: Nyusha Anna Ziling, Tenzin Paldon
Additional Translation: Shreya Agarwal
Production Assistants: Julia Denny, Zakary Hori
Research: Kum-Kum Bhavnani, Zakary Hori, Julia Denny
For your warmth and candour, I offer deep thanks to
Kalsang
Lobzang and Choti
Tashi
And your families
Thanks to the John Templeton Foundation for your generous support
Christopher Levenick, John Cunningham, Kristen Johnson, Jessica Russell
Thanks to
Bryce Johnson, Tenzin Paldon, Sheena Malhotra
Thanks to
John Foran, Amal Bhavnani, Deimos and Phoebos
Thanks to
Khenpo Jamyang Lodoe, Abbott Sherabling Monastery (2016)
H.E 12th Tai Situpa Rinpoch, Abbott Sherabling Monastery (2023)
Tsewang Dhakpa, General Secretary, Sherabling Monastery (2023)
Mrs. Rinchen Khando, Doma Ling Nunnery (2017)
Geshe Ngawang Tenzin, Dolma Ling Nunnery (2023)
Geshe Lakhdor, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Mr. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa
Thanks to UCSB
Henry Yang, Dilling Yang, Jose Cabezon, Lisa Blanco, Melissa Martinez, Chuck Haines
Academic Senate: Shasta Delp, Vince Nievares, Andy Satomi
ISBER: Shawn Barcelona, Kelly Bedard, Angela Cantu, Lien Caredio, Severo de la Cruz Joaquin, Claudia Diaz, Paula Ryan
Thanks to
Ali Abuzaid and family
Kelly Rose Almeida
Rich Appelbaum
James Bailey
Mary Kate Bailey
Bruce Bortin
Jeff Bruner
Michelle Bruner
Light Carruyo
Rajesh Chopra (2016 Sound Equipment)
Dana Collins
Astrid de Wild
Mary Denny
Dina Film Workers
Portal, South India
Scott Forman
Daniella Gallardo
Anjali Ghate
Chetan Ghate
Eknath Ghate
Prabhu Ghate
Priya Ghate
Brenda Godfrey
Di Gowland
Olivia Harris
Susan James
Joginder
Juanita Johnson
Valsa Joy
Ishleen Kaur
Burak Kesgin
Lily Kharrazi
Vinay Kochhar
Shanti Kohli
George LeGrady
Mary Liscinski
Rolo Longoria
Letitia (Tish) Lynn
Anshu Malhotra
Chris McAuley
Sheri Mobley
Ron Monroi
Debashish Munshi
K. Nandhakumar (“Nandu”) Pawan
Carlos Paz
Monica Pessino
David Presti
Anurag Rathore
Julie Sanchez
Jack Skinner
Quentin Skinner
Subbu Mani
Molly Talcott
Minnie Vaid
Vesna Wallace
Wendy Wiseman