Robert T. Edison moved from Britain to Thailand at 18 to become a Buddhist monk. In 1994, he relocated to Iceland and established the first Buddhist sect in the country. After five years, Edison disrobed, married, and faced the challenges of daily life. He spent four years adjusting to this new reality before returning to Thailand to resume monastic life. Act Normal captures his experiences between 1994 and 2006.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Robert T. Edison and his unique life choices.
See the first Buddhist sect established in Iceland.
Find out why Edison returned to Thailand to become a monk again.

Did You Know

Robert T. Edison left Britain for Thailand at the age of 18.
Edison founded the first Buddhist sect in Iceland in 1994.
He disrobed and got married after five years in Iceland.

Perfect For

Buddhism in the WestCultural transitionsDocumentary enthusiasts

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Act Normal?

Act Normal was directed by Olaf de Fleur.

What significant life change did Robert T. Edison make after moving to Iceland?

Robert T. Edison decided to disrobe and get married after forming the first Buddhist sect in Iceland.

How long did Robert T. Edison live in Thailand before moving to Iceland?

Robert T. Edison lived in Thailand for five years before moving to Iceland in 1994.

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

52m

Himalaya, a path to the sky I Slice

2022•52m

Kenrap, an eight-year-old Buddhist monk in the Phuktal monastery, reflects on his life and spiritual journey in the Himalayan mountains of Zanskar.

Himalaya, a path to the sky I Slice

2022

1h35m

Past Life? The Boy Who Thinks He's 100 Years Old

2026•1h35m

In the highlands of northern India, a Buddhist boy believes he is the reincarnation of a centuries-old Tibetan monk, prompting his godfather to explore his past.

Past Life? The Boy Who Thinks He's 100 Years Old

2026

23m

An 8-year-old monk returns home: still a boy beneath the robes

2026•23m

Kenrap, an eight-year-old monk in a remote Himalayan monastery, navigates the complexities of childhood and spiritual duty during annual visits home.

An 8-year-old monk returns home: still a boy beneath the robes

2026

2h14m

Tibet: Mystical Realms of Buddhism

2026•2h14m

Tibetan monks engage in intense metaphysical debates, while the Dalai Lama's dual role as a spiritual and political leader is explored alongside sacred rituals in Nepal.

Tibet: Mystical Realms of Buddhism

2026

27m

Tibetan Monk Palden Gyatso in Conversation with Annie Lennox (1998)

2018•27m

Palden Gyatso, a Tibetan monk who endured 33 years in Chinese prisons, discusses his experiences and activism in an interview with Annie Lennox for Amnesty International.

Tibetan Monk Palden Gyatso in Conversation with Annie Lennox (1998)

2018

24m

Nirvana for Sale

2020•24m

In Thailand, the Dhammakaya movement, led by the elusive Abbot Dhammachayo, faces allegations of money laundering while claiming to promote Buddhist values.

Nirvana for Sale

2020

22m

Inside the Mind of a Buddhist: A Revealing Encounter

2021•22m

Buddhism, with over 300 million followers, is explored through a teenage student and a monk's teachings during Buddha's birthday celebrations.

Inside the Mind of a Buddhist: A Revealing Encounter

2021

1h32m

The Mountain Path

2021•1h32m

A young man searches the mountains of China for a Buddhist hermit master, encountering dedicated recluses who share teachings on life and solitude.

The Mountain Path

2021

52m

A Himalayan Life: The Secret Rituals of Bhutan

2025•52m

Seventy monks prepare for the annual Tshechu festival in Bhutan, performing traditional dances to purify negative emotions and connect with deities.

A Himalayan Life: The Secret Rituals of Bhutan

2025

52m

Tibet, the path to Wisdom

2022•52m

A woman walks alone across Tibet, seeking ancient teachings and spiritual traditions that are at risk of disappearing amid modernization.

Tibet, the path to Wisdom

2022

Explore Act Normal

Deep Dive FAQ

Browse more like this

1h35m

Past Life? The Boy Who Thinks He's 100 Years Old

2026•1h35m

In the highlands of northern India, a Buddhist boy believes he is the reincarnation of a centuries-old Tibetan monk, prompting his godfather to explore his past.

Past Life? The Boy Who Thinks He's 100 Years Old

2026

No digital watch option in your country

2h14m

Tibet: Mystical Realms of Buddhism

2026•2h14m

Tibetan monks engage in intense metaphysical debates, while the Dalai Lama's dual role as a spiritual and political leader is explored alongside sacred rituals in Nepal.

Tibet: Mystical Realms of Buddhism

2026

No digital watch option in your country

22m

Inside the Mind of a Buddhist: A Revealing Encounter

2021•22m

Buddhism, with over 300 million followers, is explored through a teenage student and a monk's teachings during Buddha's birthday celebrations.

Inside the Mind of a Buddhist: A Revealing Encounter

2021

No digital watch option in your country

52m

A Himalayan Life: The Secret Rituals of Bhutan

2025•52m

Seventy monks prepare for the annual Tshechu festival in Bhutan, performing traditional dances to purify negative emotions and connect with deities.

A Himalayan Life: The Secret Rituals of Bhutan

2025

No digital watch option in your country

1h36m

Becoming Who I Was

2017•1h36m•★8.8TMDB

Angdu, a boy believed to be a reincarnated Buddhist master, journeys to Tibet with his mentor.

Becoming Who I Was

2017

Buddha Wild: Monk in a Hut

2008•1h•★9.5TMDB

Five Buddhist monks discuss celibacy, the role of women, and environmental concerns while living according to the precepts of the Buddha.

Buddha Wild: Monk in a Hut

2008

1h30m

Monk with a Camera

2014•1h30m•★7.2TMDB

In 2012, Nicholas Vreeland became the first westerner appointed as abbot of a major Tibetan government monastery in India.

Monk with a Camera

2014

From Stress to Happiness

2020•1h•★6.2TMDB

A Buddhist monk with over 50 years of experience teaches mindfulness and meditation techniques to manage stress and promote happiness in the Himalayas.

From Stress to Happiness

2020

1h37m

Buddha's Lost Children

2006•1h37m•★7.3TMDB

Khru Bah Neua Chai Kositto, a Buddhist monk in Thailand's Golden Triangle, dedicates his life to helping orphaned children through boxing and cultural preservation.

Buddha's Lost Children

2006

1h30m

Buddha in Africa

2019•1h30m•★7.4TMDB

Six-year-old Enock, also known as Alu, excels in acrobatics at a Confucian Buddhist orphanage in Malawi while facing a choice about his future.

Buddha in Africa

2019

1h39m

Sing Me a Song

2020•1h39m•★7.0TMDB

A young Buddhist monk in Bhutan confronts the arrival of the Internet, transforming his initial apprehension into active engagement with the digital world.

Sing Me a Song

2020