Wednesday, November 28 – 7:00 PM
Gallery Hall in the Taylor Family Digital Library at the University of Calgary
ABOUT THE FILM
Produced by the same minds behind Bruno, American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi set out to challenge one of the most widely accepted taboos: that only a tiny 1% can connect the rest of the world to a higher power. What begins as an earnest survey of yoga culture in North America takes an unexpected and poignant turn when self-proclaimed religious skeptic Vikram Gandhi delves deep into the world of gurus. Gandhi transcends the typical critique of New Age culture as he transforms himself, in a true method-acting performance, into the Guru Kumaré. He discovers that all a guru requires is followers, an ideology and an Indian accent. Step one: grow your hair and beard. Step two: immerse yourself in yoga and meditation. Step three: dive head first into your inner pool of spiritual leadership. As a filmmaker, Gandhi walks an ethical minefield, endeavoring to treat his subjects with sensitivity and respect. As Kumaré, he carefully avoids humiliating or duping his followers, attempting to speak in truths and to impart lessons worth learning. A post-modern comedy that’s both revelatory and inspiring, Kumaré may just unleash the guru within you.
DISCUSSION WITH THE FILMMAKER TO FOLLOW SCREENING.
Free for students with ID and community by donation ($5.00 – $10.00 suggested)
All proceeds go towards the campus food bank Adopt-a-Student-Family program.
