AWAKE – The Life of Yogananda
We experimented with creating internal states of consciousness through cinematic metaphor, as it was of utmost importance to us that the film be experiential, not merely informational, and that we invite viewers on a journey of deeper awareness and possibility through the filmmaking
We decided to have Yogananda tell his story through his own words (rather than using a third person narrator), in an effort to create more intimacy. This meant that, in addition to using some audio recordings of Yogananda, we had the privilege of casting a brilliant, prominent Bollywood star, Anupam Kher, to read his words and essentially “act the part.” This also helped to keep alive a sense of magical realism that Yogananda created when writing Autobiography of a Yogi, where he recounted intimate moments of a life that is well beyond the mundane. We also created measured pacing in moments where viewers could come in and out of “cinematic meditations,” freeing them to disengage from the intellect and allowing them just to “be.”
OMTimes: What do you think audiences will appreciate about your film?
Paola & Lisa: We hope the film will place Yogananda in the context of his times, allowing for greater understanding of the history of Yoga in America and what this practice is really all about. But most importantly, we wish for the film to meet people “where they are at” on their own individual spiritual journeys, and perhaps help plant a seed to take them even deeper. We want to inspire viewers to become AWAKE.
