The True Story of a False Prophet event

John Mitty Thursday, August 16, 2012

KUMARÉ: The True Story of a False Prophet

IN PERSON (VIA SKYPE): FILMMAKER VIKRAM GANDHI

Kumaré is the true story of a false prophet. In this alternately hilarious and moving documentary, Indian-American Filmmaker Vikram Gandhi set out to explore the issue of faith, and our willingness to follow “spiritual leaders,” by becoming a fake guru. He will appear live via Skype, and there will be a food and wine reception following the screening on Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30pm. This film is part of a special program made possible in part by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, “Enormous Changes in our Everyday Lives” that will include six extraordinary documentaries by women and people of color (American and international) as part of the Real-to-Reel: Documentary Film Series, sponsored by Stuart & Ginger Polisner, at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington, NY 631-423-7610 www.CinemaArtsCentre.org

$10 Members / $15 Public / Includes reception. Tickets can be purchased online, www.CinemaArtsCentre.org at the box office during theatre hours or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006

http://www.cinemaartscentre.org/event/kumare/

“Faith begins as an experiment and ends as an experience.” - William Ralph Inge

In order to understand the meaning of faith, and the means by which the desire for faith can be manipulated, Indian-American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi became a faux guru named Kumaré.  Growing long hair and a full beard, wearing an Indian robe and leaning on a staff, Kumaré/Gandhi journeyed to Phoenix, Arizona to recruit disciples. At first, Kumaré seems like a Sacha Baron Cohen knock-off, and the film is filled with humor, but soon the plot and ideas deepen.  Kumaré connects with the men and women he meets and deceives.  He teaches his acolytes that every person has what she/he searches for within themselves.  He warns them that he is a fake, which they perceive as spiritual modesty but the viewer realizes is both a literal and philosophical truth.  Or is it fake?  Gandhi realizes that the teachings of Kumaré reveal his ideal self.  But now that he has made true connections with several people who share secrets about themselves, he faces the dilemma of revealing his hip American filmmaker self to men and women who trusted him. Part comedy, part drama, part philosophy, Kumaré is a thought-provoking film. Kumaré‘s teachings will become a part of our contemplation of our own lives and beliefs. 

Vikram Gandhi is an award-winning director of narrative and documentary films. He grew up consuming equal parts ancient Indian mythology and American movies. After graduating from Columbia University, he began working as a filmmaker for hire. He’s since worked as a video journalist covering terrorism, natural disasters, and social unrest throughout Asia and as a cinematographer and producer on documentaries, television, and narrative films. He now directs commercial campaigns, music videos, branded content, and films through his New York-based production company, Disposable. Over this time, Vikram documented the emergence of the yoga industry in the US by interviewing spiritual leaders around the country until he decided to become one himself. In 2010, Vikram combined his passion mythology and documentary to create Kumaré. Vikram lives in Brooklyn and Kumaré is a manifestation of his ideal self.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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