Seeking crew for "Dictature of Dharma," a graduation film for our MA Filmmaking course.

Logline: In dystopian London ruled by a Buddhist regime, after a long investigation a Shaolin Secret Police detective is about to confront the dealer selling love drugs as means of a hedonistic revolution.

Synopsis: The story is set in dystopian London where a radical form of Buddhism took Dharmic teachings to their extreme conclusion and instituted a forced meditation program to purge the public out of their egos and any form of attachment. Ultimately, even love has to be eradicated. Only compassion can remain.

The story of this film follows The Red Monk; a skilled detective of Shaolin Secret Police who after a long investigation is closing in on a young drug dealer who, unknown to herself, is an incarnation of Vajrayogini. The Red Monk confronts Avajra in her den, learning that she is in fact selling various forms of love (Philia, Eros, Storge, Agape etc.) to their loyal customers. Drugs are cut with the seeds of revolution through a blend of chemistry, spirituality and digital rituals. As the stakes are raised and the discussion reaches the climax, the Red Monk becomes an unlikely customer himself as we embark on an abstract journey through their blended minds.

The story satirises the ridiculousness of an oppressive regime, where religion becomes political, through the lens of a hypothetical theocracy formed out of an apparently unlikely and benign philosophy.

The long existing sci-fi tropes are cleverly subverted and a unique dystopian look and aesthetic derived from Tibetan culture and architecture is imposed on London of the future and character within it.

All to explore the themes of: Oppression vs resistance and hedonism. Corruption of power in the context of spirituality. Love as a tool of manipulation in political and personal context Pitfalls and perks of freedom and individuality. Pitfalls and perks of technology and self-selection of desires.

We are able to fill the majority of the crew with members of our university, but would like to find external people to collaborate with for the following the roles: VFX Artist, Costume, Designer, Editor, Colourist, Gaffer, Sound Designer, Composer

The script is in the final stages of development that we can share with anyone who may be interested. We have also initiated a crowdfunding campaign where we will raise the rest of our budget. We will also keep this page updated on the progress of this film. Thank you!