ILLUMINATE Festival Opening Night Features Lynne Twist Keynote and Santa Barbara Premiere of Dalai Lama Film “Wisdom of Happiness”

March 24, 2025 | Santa Barbara, CA

A Convergence of Wisdom: Two Global Visionaries Share the Stage

In a rare convergence of two of the world’s most influential voices for compassionate change, the ILLUMINATE Film Festival will open its 11th annual celebration on May 1st at the historic Granada Theatre with a keynote address from global visionary Lynne Twist, followed by the Santa Barbara premiere of “Wisdom of Happiness,” featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama in what may be his final film appearance.

The evening will kick off with a soul-stirring performance by world-renowned recording artist Donna De Lory, with dance by the LA-based group LUME Apex. This will set the stage for attendees to receive complementary wisdom: Lynne Twist’s insights on finding fulfillment through dedicating oneself to a larger purpose and the Dalai Lama’s timeless teachings on cultivating genuine happiness.

“As someone who has worked in storytelling for over two decades, I’ve rarely seen a pairing as resonant as Lynne Twist and the Dalai Lama. Both speak to the human heart—and right now, that’s what the world needs most.” says Kia Kiso, ILLUMINATE’s Interim Executive Director. “Both Lynne Twist and the Dalai Lama offer wisdom that transcends ideological boundaries.”

Lynne Twist: Living a Committed Life

Opening night attendees will have the special opportunity to hear from Twist following the successful release of her latest book, “Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself,” the long-awaited follow-up to her international bestseller “The Soul of Money”, which Oprah Winfrey featured on her Super Soul podcast. “Living a Committed Life” offers a guide for these changing and challenging times, demonstrating how commitment to a purpose larger than yourself can enliven and empower you to see new possibilities, turn breakdowns into breakthroughs, and engage in effective action.

In an age of disconnection and digital overload, this unmissable evening presents a rare opportunity to reconnect with what matters most – our shared humanity and capacity for meaningful change. A recognized global visionary, Twist has been an advisor to the Desmond Tutu Foundation and The Nobel Women’s Initiative. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious honors, including the “Woman of Distinction” award from the United Nations. As co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance and a global activist working to end hunger and poverty, protect the Amazon rainforest, and empower women’s leadership, her keynote address will highlight the power of authentic connection and the ability of individuals to create positive change, regardless of the scale of their efforts. Her insights arrive at a time when multiple local and global crises are leaving many to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to best contribute to positive societal change.

“Wisdom of Happiness”: The Dalai Lama’s Legacy

Executive produced by Richard Gere, “Wisdom of Happiness” offers an intimate conversation with the Dalai Lama, who at nearly ninety years of age shares practical advice for navigating the 21st century’s challenges. In what may be one of His Holiness’s last film appearances, this screening represents a significant cultural event and captures the Dalai Lama’s profound reflections on balancing ancient traditions with contemporary values.

“As a spiritual teacher who is committed to addressing the many inequalities of our world, the Dalai Lama models what we hope to achieve with our programming: to inspire transformation that spans from personal to planetary,” notes Téana David, ILLUMINATE’s Artistic Director. “We’re excited about Wisdom of Happiness as our Opening Night film because it demonstrates the connection between cultivating inner awareness and creating a caring civilization.”

A Sanctuary of Hope and Possibility

The opening night event creates a sanctuary of hope and possibility – a unique opportunity for community dialogue that addresses fundamental human concerns in a unifying way. Rather than merely highlighting problems, ILLUMINATE offers pathways toward healing, connection, and renewal. The pairing of these two visionary perspectives invites us to consider questions of both personal purpose and larger social challenges facing Santa Barbara and communities everywhere.

In a world where division often dominates headlines, ILLUMINATE’s opening night stands as a beacon of what’s possible when we gather with intention and open hearts. The ILLUMINATE Film Festival runs May 1-4, 2025 in person in Santa Barbara, followed by a virtual festival May 5-11, 2025. This year’s program showcases over 20 films that cultivate empathy across boundaries and invite audiences to imagine new possibilities for our collective future.

Festival passes providing access to the opening night event are available now at illuminatefilmfestival.org. Individual tickets go on sale April 1, 2025.

About Lynne Twist

For more than 40 years, Lynne Twist has been a global visionary committed to alleviating poverty, ending world hunger, supporting social justice, and environmental sustainability. Co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance, she has worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, with refugees in Ethiopia, in the Amazon rainforest, and with the world’s most resourceful and resource-challenged individuals. Her best-selling book “The Soul of Money” has been translated into nine languages and offers a transformative approach to our relationship with money and resources. Published in 2003, it became a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers worldwide. Her newest book, “Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself” (released November 2022) shares stories and perspectives gained from her decades as a global thought leader and activist. It presents her vision for a world that works for everyone and her guiding principles for living a life of commitment and joyous action. Through wise and insightful writing, Twist demonstrates how dedication that goes beyond the self teaches us to draw on resources and capacities from our most authentic selves.

About “Wisdom of Happiness”

Executive produced by Richard Gere, “Wisdom of Happiness” offers a heart-to-heart conversation with the Dalai Lama, who at nearly ninety years of age shares practical advice for navigating the 21st century’s challenges. Likely one of His Holiness’s final film appearances, this screening represents a significant cultural event. In the film, the Dalai Lama offers insights on finding genuine happiness through compassion and mindfulness practices rather than through material accumulation or external achievements.

About ILLUMINATE Film Festival

ILLUMINATE is the world’s premier festival for conscious cinema, a transformative showcase where film transcends entertainment to become a catalyst for awakening. The festival curates films that spark curiosity and self-reflection while providing post-film discussions that help audiences translate insights into lasting transformation.

Media Contact:
Mari Angulo
mari@illuminatefilmfestival.com
Public Relations, ILLUMINATE