Is the weather meant to be bad this bank holiday weekend? We don’t know yet, but if history repeats itself… It’s unlikely to be a scorcher! So, just in case, here are 5 movies to stream if you’re ever stuck indoors.
AWAKE: THE STORY OF YOGI ANANDA
This is the inconventional biopic of Yogananda, by Oscar nominee Paola Di Florio and Sundance winner Lisa Leeman.
Yogananda was an important figure in bringing Hindu spirituality to the West in the 1920’s, and wrote the famous Autobiography of a Yogi.
Awake tells the story of his life and influence on yoga, religion and science. It’s a fascinating film that includes interviews with Ravi Shankar, Deepak Chopra and George Harrison.
I AM MARIS: PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG YOGI
At 17, Maris Degener is a yoga teacher, a writer, and a survivor. After suffering from anxiety, depression and life-threatening anorexia nervosa, Maris finds her own path to healing and self-acceptance. Through fearlessly authentic testimony, personal artwork and poetry, and a devoted yoga practice, she travels from despair to inspiration.
Available to watch on Netflix.
RAM DASS, GOING HOME
A profound and poetic encounter with icon Baba Ram Dass, who died last December, at his home on Maui toward the end of his life. The pioneering researcher, author and spiritual teacher reflects on love, life and death as his own days draw to a close.
Available to watch on Netflix.
YOGAWOMAN
Entertaining viewing for men and women alike, YogaWoman explores how women have taken over a practice that was originally intended for men… Discover women’s role and involvement in the development of yoga starting, from its inception in India centuries ago. The film also covers socio-political issues affecting the modern woman such as depression, body image, work life and how yoga can ease these challenges.
KUMARE
Not quite a yoga documentary, but nonetheless still relevant, Kumaré is a documentary about filmmaker Vikram Gandhi impersonating a fake guru, and building a following of real people. Gandhi grows a long beard and ponytail, dons orange robes and moves to Arizona where he hires a yoga teacher and a PR woman to promote him as a guru. He quickly began to attract followers without question… The film won Best Documentary at SXSW 2011.