Leap

LEAP is a film about a disciple and his Guru and the choices that they make on their journey ofsurrender to God. LEAP is an adventure into the international and controversial Hare Krishna movement but also a film about religious experience in general.

The film documents the story of Keshava Madhava Das, a Finnish tram driver and a disciple, and his Guru Radhanath Swami, one of the movement’s most charismatic spiritual leaders based in India. Keshava started life as Kenneth, a lonely boy who witnessed his grandfather's death. His Guru was originally Richie, an American small town boy, who is now revered within the movement as a living saint.

With unprecedented access, LEAP charts the progress of the disciple Keshava over two years as he faces the dilemmas of reconciling his personal life with a calling of a demanding religion. At the same time, the relationship of the Guru to his aspiring disciple is explored, as well as the Guru’s own personal and spiritual concerns. By following the spiritual paths of Keshava and Radhanath Swami, we gain remarkable insight into one of the world’s most fascinating religions.

Information

Original name Hyppy
Original language English
Subtitles Finnish
Genre Documentary film
Production year 2012
Production country Finland
Running time 81 min
Trailer www.leapthefilm.com

Crew

Direction Jouko Aaltonen (also scriptwriter)
Cinematography Marita Hällfors
Sound design Martti Turunen
Composer Tapani Rinne
Editing Samu Heikkilä
Graphic Jari Koski
Producer Pertti Veijalainen

Screenings and awards

TV-screenings

  • 07.09.2013 YLE TV1 (Documentary project)
  • 02.09.2013 YLE TV1 (Documentary project)

Production

  • Pertti Veijalainen, Illume Oy

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