Who we are
Guna Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-based film studio in Berkeley, California. Our name comes from the Sanskrit word "guna," meaning "qualities" or "attributes," which in Buddhism refers to the enlightened qualities of a Buddha. Our mission is to present and preserve the beauty, spirit, and knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism for all humanity. We strive to share the living expression of these qualities through our work, offering a window into this wisdom tradition.
Our Work and Vision
Guna Foundation documents the preservation of Tibetan culture through various media. We've produced three documentary films: Light of the Valley (2011), Prayers of the Ancient Ones (2013), and The Great Transmission (2015). Our in-house studio in Berkeley, CA also creates photo exhibitions and archives historical footage.
Our work focuses on the achievements of organizations founded by Tarthang Tulku. We explore the impact of Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center (TNMC) on Tibetan wisdom traditions and Buddhist civilization as a whole.
By providing insight into TNMC's activities, we aim to support and continue its efforts in this extraordinary East-West cultural exchange. Our ongoing film series offers an in-depth perspective on TNMC's work, contributing to the valuable record of Buddhism's growth in the West.
Guna Foundation is a 501©3 non-profit. Donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID: 23-7072008. Head Lama of the Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center, dba Guna Foundation.
Founder
Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, born in eastern Tibet in 1935, is founder of the Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center in California. As the first Nyingma lama in the U.S., he established a network of organizations in Berkeley to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture and transmit it to the modern world. In 2009, he founded the Guna Foundation to document and share these efforts.
Meet the Team
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Pema Gellek
DIRECTOR
Pema Gellek is the Director of the Guna Foundation, Co-Dean of the Nyingma Institute, and Director of the Prajna Light Foundation. She holds an M.A. in International Politics from American University and a B.A. in Asian Studies from Mary Baldwin College, and studied with Buddhist masters in Nepal for three years. She is the second of the three daughters of Tarthang Tulku.
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Barry Schieber
PRODUCER EMERITUS
Barry Schieber received his B.A. and M.A. in Business from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his professional life as an investment analyst before becoming a student of Tarthang Tulku at the Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center in the early ‘70s. Barry also founded Silent Moon Books. Barry served as Co-Director of Guna Foundation from 2009-2015.
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Hugh Joswick
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Hugh Joswick studied film history and film theory as part of his graduate program at Yale University, and has worked on and off in documentary film for over 25 years. Hugh also serves as the Managing Editor of Mangalam Press.
Our Guiding Principles
♦ We believe that the aesthetic and wisdom traditions of Tibet have a tremendous amount to offer the modern world.
♦ We strive to present a window into the beauty, spirit and knowledge of Buddhist traditions, viewing them as part of the precious heritage of humanity.
♦ We stay connected with and inspire people from all walks of life to join our unwavering commitment to preserve the Tibetan culture.
♦ We envision a world in which future generations bring together the best of both East and West in ways that promote universal values.
Key Collaborators
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Phanuthep Sutthithepthamrong
ANIMATION DIRECTOR
Phanu Sutthithepthamrong worked for sixteen years as a professional animator in Thailand, and then spent four years as a forest monk before coming to the U.S. to continue his studies in Buddhism.
He is the Co-Founder of Anya Animation Studio in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as director of World’s End (2013), a short film officially selected for the International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts; the Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival; and Athens International Film and Video Festival.
See Phanu's IMDB page for additional credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5160761/
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Yann Tribolle
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Yann Tribolle is a talented cinematographer based in Paris. After studying science and literature, he attended INSAS Cinema School (Brussels). Initially he worked on features and commercials as a camera assistant and DIT, primarily with DoP Marc Koninckx (AFC. BFC), and Director/Producer Mathieu Kassovitz (Johnny Mad Dog, 2008; Rebellion, 2011).
Yann presently works as an independent DoP and Resolve colorist on corporate videos, short features, and documentaries.
See Yann’s IMDB page for additional credits: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2435910/
