My name is Lisa Sabina Harney. I'm a producer and director and have worked with PBS, the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Channel 4 & 5 UK, amongst many others. I've also won a few awards for my work, so I know a good story when I see one and this is the most extraordinarily moving film I've ever been involved with.
Without you, we can't finish this film, we're almost there!!!. Please help us and at the same time help the saints in their crusade.
This film deals with the hot topic of corruption in India at a pivotal phase in their history, as the nation emerges on the world stage as a vital economic power.
For over 15 years, Gurudev Swami Shivanand has gambled with his life to save what he believes to be the holiest river in the world - the Ganges - from environmental catastrophe. Where environmentalists have struggled with few discernable results and where Government agencies have proved completely ineffective, Swami Shivanand has behind him a string of successes that have literally saved the river. His fight is a massive undertaking, he and his band of saints are taking on the powerful forces of corporate greed and inherent judicial and governmental corruption.
But Swami Shivanand has a powerful ally; in the year 1998, he says he had a message from God to fight for the river. Hindu's believe the Ganges is the physical incarnation of the Divine Mother.
This film documents Swami Shivanand as he embarked on Satyagraha, a spiritual penance known as a fast-unto-death, in late 2011 to stop illegal mining in the most ecologically sensitive area of the Ganges. He was also fasting in protest against the recent death of his diciple, Swami Nigmanand, who he believes was murdered after a mind boggling 73 day Satyagraha. This film also records what is secretly happening to one of the largest river systems in the world and the disastrous consequences should it fail.
On a personal note, while filming, the powerful organizations against this small band of holy people also came after us and tried to destroy our film. You know you are onto something when that happens.
Aside from the undeniable charisma of Gurudev, and the riveting circumstances of his Satyagraha, their story is a reflection of a battle we are all fighting on so many levels. Largely, on how to protect the sacred from the forces of progress who deny that anything has value aside from a fiscal value. This film explores the real cost and real value of devastating our environment, seen through the eyes of India's saints. According to the saints, the Ganges and its environment is the keeper of special forces that nurture us both physically and spiritually.
Without you, we can't finish this film, we're almost there!!!. Please help us and at the same time help the saints in their crusade.
What We Need & What You Get
We have already raised the funds to finance the shoot - the Satyagraha of Gurudev Swami Shivanand. But what we need is the finishing funds, we need to do the final post production on the film, we also need to cover marketing costs and publicity. Specifically, we need to buy...
- Final 5.1 Surround Sound mix
- Grading
- All music licenses
- All video licenses (archive material)
- Building a website for the movie
- Finalizing/Printing all necessary promo materials and merchandise for the various film festivals
- Hiring regional publicists to be sure that the film gets the attention it rightly deserves
The perks are great! See the film before anyone else, free downloads, DVD's, invites to special screenings, and for those of you who want to get in on the act, get involved with us, become one of our special producers, and come to India and meet these highly enlightened people as they stick to their truth. Above all, if their story moves you, then support us support them, this is the best perk.
We are totally committed to telling this extraordinary story.
Background
You can check me out on my website: www.lisaharney.com , you can also go to our website: www.goddessfilms.net to get more information.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you haven't got the cash, but believe in our project, then go to www.goddessfilms.net and register your interest.
We'll keep you updated when the film is ready.
If you have some time, we'd love you to get involved:
- Help spread the trailer and get the word out.
- Share it with your colleagues and friends.
- Like the trailer on facebook and twitter
- Help us raise the money.
- Help us with your time, there is always a lot to do on this film.
