Event

Kumaré

Real-to-Reel: Documentary Film Series
Sponsored by Stuart & Ginger Polisner

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.

In Person (via Skype): Filmmaker Vikram Gandhi

"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. -Marty Haas (USA, 2011, 84 min., color, Blu-ray)

"An ambiguous exploration of religion, teaching and spiritual leadership." -Stephen Holden, NEW YORK TIMES

"Incredibly moving. Prepare to have your assumptions pitched out the window by this tense, surprisingly probing satirical documentary..." -Mark Holcomb, VILLAGE VOICE