BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / Benedict to narrate Buddhism documentary Walk With Me

**Posted by ukaunz** March 30, 2016 9:02 am

Benedict Cumberbatch will narrate Marc J Francis and Max Pugh’s feature documentary about Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

http://www.screendaily.com/news/production/benedict-cumberbatch-boards-buddhism-doc/5102026.article

With unprecedented access during a three-year shooting period, Walk With Me goes deep inside a Zen Buddhist community which practices the art of mindfulness with their famous teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.

The film was shot at the Plum Village monastery in the Dordogne region of France and in the US.

The footage of the monastic life is paired with Cumberbatch reading from insights from Thich Nhat Hanh’s early journals.

Sherlock star Cumberbatch, who is currently filming Marvel fantasy Doctor Strange, said: “In my life I’ve been so touched by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, it was a great honour to work on Walk With Me. I have no doubt that audiences across the world will be moved by this beautifully crafted film observing the daily life of the monks and nuns who have committed their lives to the art of mindfulness.”

The 90-year-old Buddhist Zen Master, human rights activist, poet and author was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967 by Martin Luther King Jr. The Vietnam-born master has more than 1.5m followers on social media.

Co-directors and producers Max Pugh and Marc J Francis said: “Taking our time with the film process has allowed for the chance to develop a cinematic ‘language’ capable of communicating the actual practice of a life lived differently and mindfully. We have worked to create an immersive film to plunge the audience deep into the poetry of the present moment, a feeling so elusive in the reality of the daily grind.

“We are also delighted that Benedict Cumberbatch became involved in the film – his narration adds so much depth to the atmosphere and reflective tone of the film.”

Walk With Me was produced in association with SunnyMarch and executive produced by Speakit’s Nick Francis. Other crew includes sound editing by Anna Bertmark; additional editing by Nicolas Chaudeurge (Still Alice) and Alan Mackay (9/11: The Falling Man); and music by Germaine Franco.

**Posted by SusiGo** March 30, 2016 10:31 am

This is wonderful news. I read some books by Thich Nhat Hanh and liked them very much. I wonder if it will be shown in cinemas.

**Posted by besleybean** March 30, 2016 11:57 am

Seems to confirm what I originally thought, that Benedict most identified with Buddhism and hence my surprise at his wedding and the baptism.

**Posted by tonnaree** March 30, 2016 12:16 pm

I'm very interested in Buddhism so I would very much like to see this. Ben narrating is just a bonus!

**Posted by besleybean** March 30, 2016 12:17 pm

Personally I think it's the best of the bunch...though doesn't really appeal to me.

**Posted by Harriet** March 30, 2016 4:46 pm

And it's interesting to learn that nowadays some Buddhist teachers believe that women might reach enlightenment.

**Posted by besleybean** March 30, 2016 5:18 pm

Gosh, so progressive!

**Posted by SusiGo** September 6, 2016 1:49 pm

Some news on this film - there is a trailer now:

https://youtu.be/ne7-wnnWqFY

And here is the website for the film:

http://walkwithmefilm.com

**Posted by besleybean** September 6, 2016 5:10 pm

Woohoo!

**Posted by This Is The Phantom Lady** September 7, 2016 8:15 am

It looks amazing!

And his voice is perfectly dreamy for the documentary!

**Posted by SusiGo** February 2, 2017 6:04 pm

Here is new information about the premiere of the film:

https://twitter.com/thichnhathanh/status/826807601350471680

**Posted by This Is The Phantom Lady** February 2, 2017 7:21 pm

Thank you! And that's soon!

You know, I've been thinking that Ben would be perfect to voice a meditation or mindfulness guidance tape

**Posted by besleybean** February 2, 2017 7:23 pm

To be honest I would just enjoy his voice, not really listen to what he was saying!

**Posted by Lis** February 2, 2017 8:24 pm

What's that saying "I'd listen to him read the phone book"...thing is I think I totally would!

I hope I can watch this documentary at some point, sounds interesting.

**Posted by SusiGo** November 24, 2017 7:26 pm

Today I got my DVD and watched it at once. Such a wonderful and calming experience. Benedict’s amazing voice reading from the diaries of Thich Nhat Hanh, beautiful impressions from nature and life in Plum Village, the Buddhist monastery in France. We also accompany the monks and nuns on a journey to the US and I was very impressed by the contrast of a fanatic Christian ranting in the street, while the brothers and sisters were sitting opposite, calm and in peaceful repose. Not once did I look at my phone or the clock. This is a wonderful film for everyone who is interested in buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation. And I am very glad that Benedict and his company chose to support this film.