DOCSBARCELONA - International Documentary Film Festival

Winner of half a dozen festival awards, this documentary tells the story of a former Thai boxer turned Buddhist monk in the rugged region of the Thailand's Golden Triangle. Since his conversion, he has devoted himself to the welfare of the region's children, travels widely on horseback dispensing prayers, health care, education and tough love to villagers far from the protection and support of governments or non-governmental organizations. He recruits novice monks to his monastery, The Golden Horse Temple, a haven for the children of the region, who see him as a shaman, father figure and coach. Director Mark Verkerk gained unprecedented access to film this intimate and dramatic story over the course of a year on location. Stunning cinematography, intimate filmmaking and a compelling story make this film an extraordinary experience.