Returning in June 2026, the festival marks its most expansive and internationally oriented edition to date. A carefully curated programme of five short films and five feature-length works will explore themes rooted in Buddhist philosophy and practice. Screenings will be available online across a two-week period, extending access to a global audience.
For the first time, the festival will introduce a flagship physical activation in London. Hosted at OXO Gallery on the South Bank, Pure Land Foundation will present a five-day public Sand Mandala installation, created live by senior visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks.
Unfolding in real time within one of the city’s most active cultural spaces, the installation offers a rare encounter with a centuries-old sacred art form. A series of accompanying sound bath sessions will further open the space for reflection and engagement.
Alongside the festival, Pure Land Foundation will launch a new digital submission platform, inviting filmmakers worldwide to contribute work for consideration. Selected films will be presented across five categories: Documentary Short, Animated Short, Narrative Short, LGBTQ+ Short, and Vertical Short.
Held ahead of the autumn festival circuit, the Buddhist Film Festival occupies a distinct place within the international calendar, foregrounding ethical inquiry, philosophical depth and accessibility over premieres and market dynamics.
Bruno Wang, founder of the Pure Land Foundation, will serve as chairman of the 2026 festival, which has been programmed by Tricycle’s curator and acclaimed producer Shrihari Sathe since the festival’s inception in 2024.
“This partnership is about more than cinema, it’s about cultural dialogue,” Bruno Wang told That's Books and More.
“In a fragmented world, film offers a powerful way to surface timeless values such as compassion and mindfulness and make them relevant to contemporary audiences across cultures.”
Sam Mowe, Tricycle’s publisher, told us: “We are happy to partner with the Pure Land Foundation, whose mission aligns with our commitment to disseminate Buddhist teachings.”
He added that “proceeds from the festival will be used to expand our free offerings, such as Buddhism for Beginners, our Daily Dharma email and app, and our online-learning scholarship program.”
The Tricycle Film Festival continues its tradition of presenting innovative storytelling, showcasing films that highlight diverse perspectives and narratives rooted in Buddhist thought. With the new partnership, the festival expands its international reach and deepens its cultural impact.
Pure Land Foundation supports initiatives that promote social, spiritual and emotional wellness through the arts. Founded by philanthropist Bruno Wang, the foundation champions projects that inspire compassion, foster cultural exchange, and cultivate deeper awareness of humanity’s shared values.
Founded in 1991, Tricycle is a leading independent Buddhist publication and foundation dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available. Through its quarterly magazine, online platform, and events, Tricycle fosters dialogue across Buddhist traditions and engages contemporary issues through a Buddhist lens.
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