“HH Krishna Ksetra Swami (Dr Kenneth R. Valpey) of the Oxford Center for Hindu Studies and a team of professional filmmakers are preparing to embark upon a quest to uncover the secrets of the jewel of Indian transcendental literature, Bhagavata Purana in a feature documentary.
HH Krishna Kshetra Swami says that "I would like to make a documentary on this great literature to make it more widely known in the West. The Bhagavata Purana invites us to participate in a nontemporal, ever-expanding reality. It’s an engaging nourishment for the soul. I hope we’ll treasure with others through this film.”
Crowdfunding campaign is launched and devotees are cordially invited to help spread the word or help fund the project and thus become one of the team members in this transcendental adventure.
To watch the promotional video and help: https://goo.gl/sB9HZC
Interview of Krishna Ksetra Swami:
1-How did this idea came into your mind?
The idea has been with me for some years. There are high-quality documentary films on many works of world literature available (typically distributed through educational channels), including one quite good film on the Bhagavad-gītā. However, no such film exists – to my knowledge – on the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Śrīla Prabhupāda considered his translation and commentary on the Bhāgavatam to be his most important work, so I feel it behooves us to explore all possible ways to reach people and spark their interest in it. And since the film medium is so popular, why not make use of it?
2-Why do you think it is the correct moment now?
Actually it is long overdue. But right now I want to catch the opportunity that is afforded by a certain academic conference that will take place this coming January, where the focus will be on the Bhāgavatam. There it will be possible to meet and interview on film several persons – scholars and devotees – with expertise in various aspects of the Bhāgavatam. Most of these persons are known to me, and I have confidence that their input will be valuable in achieving the aim of the film.
3-How Your academic identity will help you in this project?
My “academic identity” facilitates discussion with a variety of persons who, though having deep appreciation of the Bhāgavatam, may be in social and intellectual circles where the sort of devotional life that Vaiṣṇavas practice is not part of their experience. What I have found from my studies and engagement in this sphere is that, with proper care and discrimination, there is “gold” to be found in unlikely places. One must be skilled to find the gold and to know how to distinguish it from other metals.
4-What are your expectations from this movie?
The film medium has a special kind of versatility and potential that, if well handled, can reach and appeal to a wide spectrum of people. Indeed, it can eventually be translated into various languages (I have, for example, met someone in China who is interested to help with translating and getting the film distributed in this vast country). I’m hoping and anticipating that this film will open doors to situations, groups, and venues, where the usual “Hare Krishna preaching program” might not be able to reach.
Comments