Michele Martin
A French squadron of camel drivers pursues a group of looters across the Sahara Desert. After experiencing heat, fever, and peril, the squadron finds the looters, but also lose their captain. The lieutenant takes command, leading the remaining men of the squadron back across the desert to their fort.
Torma is the first feature-length documentary about the sacred ritual art of tormas. It covers their complex history, rich symbolism, and important function in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism while showcasing the artistic creations of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Illuminating Vajrayana Buddhism through the lens of tormas, this film documents weeks of preparation for the Kagyu Prayer Festival in Bodhgaya, as well as a Mahakala ritual in Nepal involving tormas and sacred dance. Torma features interviews with the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and Ven. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. The film contains what they told us about tormas.