About Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska

An independent documentary filmmaker

Film Director’s Bio

Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska is an independent documentary filmmaker whose work is rooted in her spiritual journey. She firmly believes that lasting world peace can only be achieved through profound spiritual transformation, and this conviction is the primary motivation behind her films. Her award-winning documentary Bhikkhunī – Buddhism, Sri Lanka, Revolution explores the revival of women’s ordination in Theravāda Buddhism. Her latest film Chenrezig Institute: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia dives deep into the history of the creation of one of the first and largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in the West.

She holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Psychology and a postgraduate
degree in Multimedia, and has participated in numerous filmmaking courses, including a reportage workshop, Norwegian-Polish documentary workshops, a video clip school, and a one-year screenwriting course at the Historical Film Academy.

The Story Behind the Film

In June 2019, she left her home country of Poland to travel the world and make films. Just a few days later, she arrived at Chenrezig Institute, a Buddhist retreat and study center nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia. What was meant to be a stay of a few months became four deeply transformative years.

Shortly after arriving at the institute, she felt a strong calling to create a documentary about the center’s origins. After sharing the idea with the community, she realized it resonated with others as well. She began working on the film, a project she continued throughout her stay.

When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in March 2020, she used her technical and multimedia background to establish an in-house multimedia team. As Multimedia Coordinator, she played a key role in building and developing the institute’s online platform, livestreaming teachings and special events not only locally and regionally, but far beyond Australia.

For four years, Małgorzata was deeply involved in daily life and service within the community. Spending this time living and working at the institute gave her a rare insider perspective and a unique opportunity to document its history from within.

The Film Begins Its Journey

After six years of work, the film is finally coming into the light and starting its journey to meet audiences and communities.

I felt very happy that the premiere at Chenrezig Institute was so successful. The screening brought together over 70 people and created a warm and joyful atmosphere. I also joined online for a Q&A after the film, which was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and hear people’s reflections.

It is very moving for me to see that these screenings are becoming more than just film events. They create space for people to reconnect with the history of the centre, reflect on the roots of FPMT, and share inspiration together.

If your centre or community would like to organize a screening, I would be very happy to hear from you.

Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska

"I deeply believe that lasting world peace can only be achieved through profound spiritual transformation. This conviction is the primary motivation behind my films."