Anna Wilding (wild flower) and her Buddha Wild

Published feature interview from  "iPeace"

Anna Wildings film work on Buddha Wild bears sensitivity and inner strength as a hallmark of this multi talented and caring filmmaker.  Anna opens the door for us and takes us on an enjoyable, humorous, compassionate and sensitive journey through the world of Thai and Srilankan Buddhist monks.

Haunting music and smiles abound in the trailer for the film and a deep sense of peace pervades; the film however is not all smiles, the struggle that those enjoying this way of life face is also tackled, reviews of the film applaud her empathic and sensitive yet questioning approach to give an educated and balanced view of a world few know.

Anna has a strength and confidence in herself that allows her to create moving pieces of film work but in an accessible manner, gently and sensitively teasing the best from the monks in an engaging and enchanting style.

As an advocate of world peace, Anna also uses her work towards a better world by donating proceeds from the film to Tsunami relief. She also had a screening to benefit Amnesty.

Anna was nominated for New Zealander of the year as mark of the respect she commands in the film industry. She has worked on over 20 feature films. Described as a force of nature for good, she uses her varied abilities for the benefit of others. She is a voice that can be heard and she has a vision that shines through in her work. "Buddha wild" is a humble fascinating portrayal that allows the monks to speak for themselves and allows us a privileged and informed view into their world.

Acknowledgement includes her humanitarian work on the "Lord of the Rings" film series. She has appeared in multiple television series and magazines.

Wild of name, wild of nature and yet possessing a serene gentleness matched with humour and an inquisitive mind, she sees herself as an ambassador for peace.  

I like the name "I Peace". The word "I" in this case is an action that requires an individual take responsibility for "peace" and makes people think and do "peace" rather than just say "peace". I have an issue with the word "peace". It is passive. "War'is a very active sounding word. War is business, sadly. "Peace" however sleeps on the tongue and conjures up little motion. We want to be able to say - Peace is business, peaceful business is good. 
I wish to redefine the word "peace" at one level, or talk about what we intend by saying that. For example when we say the word" peace" are we not saying we live in the act of "doing loving kindness" and showing goodwill to our fellow women and man, our fellow living creatures? So let's focus on the action of that, and do that. Through our own personal lives, our work, products, our services,our art, our business, show goodwill, show loving kindness. Challenge oneself, even in the most difficult situation to show compassion, good will or loving kindness. I wish to redefine and explain what is meant by "peace"- so instead of just saying it, we understand and do it. We "practice"  goodwill ,'practice" good  intent, "practice" loving kindness' in our day to day lives.

What was your motivation for making Buddha Wild?,

Buddha Wild was my reaction to an instance of racism I witnessed.  I thought I can either deal with this by making a hard hitting controversial film, or I can make  a film that shows the joy in the community so that people gain a greater understanding. I chose to make a joyous, upbeat film which does not even mention the words  diversity or racism. It's a subtext.

I was doing a Q and A in Canada after a sell out screening. One woman from Africa stood up and was crying. She said" I am so touched by the film and you. I want to thank you so much for making such a film about cultural diversity, no one does"
 So people do get the underlying themes. Racism and its manifestations are often I think, motivated by fear and lack of understanding of another's cultures. So I chose to make a small, upbeat film, showing the joy and beauty to create understanding. And it worked.

There is in fact no difference whatsoever. My life, work has been the same throughout. It comprises more than what you will just see on films. I am often engaged as a public speaker on environment and other matters. I think I was asked to set up my first Peace Foundation by a nuclear physicist at the age of 18.  This time with Buddha Wild Monk in a Hut in terms of communicating my work, the stars aligned that I was able to have sole charge of a film and make  a film I wanted to make in a way I wanted to make it. I hope that happens more often. I can achieve more and get more done. I am just thankful that, at least for me, I can live, and stand by my work. I know how to tell a story and make films and I hope to continue to work with like-minded investors. I would rather develop projects and material that works for greater good or that make people think and I believe it is possible to make money (this being important for investors) telling different stories .The studios and public need to see these kinds of stories doing well. My next film that I hope to make is a different story again- a traditional narrative black comedy. However it too has a strong humanitarian theme and it will again benefit the impoverished communities we work in. There are ways to work.

Do you have a personal message for us all?

Live with loving kindness and do it, show it. Make the most of what you have and what the day brings. We can but do our best, within each of our own capabilities.

Please buy Buddha Wild to help enable further work, and day to day work. Every sale counts and makes a difference. Show the studios and investors these kinds of stories can make money. And more importantly buy it for yourself to be entertained and to gain greater understanding or even just to remind yourself of the blessings in life that you already know. Actually it's funny...I gave as a gift a copy to a friend of mine and before watching it, she gave it to a friend of hers who was sick. Her friend refuses to give it back,even now that she is well. Everyone keeps it!