Experience the Embrace

As a travel diary deep inside the heart of India and Hinduism, DARSHAN, THE EMBRACE focuses on Amma, "The Hugging Saint," one of the most important and influential Mahatmas (spiritual guides) alive today. For the very first time, Amma agreed to open the doors of her own world to a foreign director, Jan Kounen (Dobermann, Blueberry) who accompanied her across India. This intimate documentary captures her charisma and loving spirit through conversations with Amma and those close to her.

Opening Dates / Theaters:

July 26		IFC Center New York, NY
August 18		Coolidge Corner Theater Boston, MA
August 18		Roxie Cinema San Francisco, CA
August 18		Rafael Film Center San Rafael, CA
August 25		The Screen Santa Fe, NM
September 1		Northwest Film Forum Seattle, WA
September 22		Laemmle's Monica Los Angeles, CA

"My father and Amma are kindred spirits."
- Ms. Yolanda King, Daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Amma's darshan nourishes a deep hunger in the heart for the devotion in the west."
- Ram Das, Author of "Be Here Now"

"Amma's spiritual hugs and charitable works...have helped her become what many consider a living saint."
- Los Angeles Times

"She has been compared to Mother Teresa and Gandhi, who devoted their lives to the poor."
- Washington Post

Visit http://www.ifcfilms.com/page/darshan_the_embrace/ for more information.

Director, JAN KOUNEN on Darshan
"DARSHAN portrays Amritanandamayi Devi, a "Mahatma", a spiritual leader. I went to her with an open state of mind and the choice of bringing back whatever I experienced, whether positive or negative. I structured the film into a journey towards mystery, a journey through which I would accompany her, on and off over the span of a year. DARSHAN depicts the evolution of my perception of Amma; first, through the eyes of the westerner before the unknown, then gradually sliding in to witness overflowing love and the perception of beauty in a destiny which has become a legend."

Producer, MANUEL DE LA ROCHE, on how it started
In 2002, I met Amma who was on a short visit to Paris. Overwhelmed by her compassion and charisma, I suggested making a film on her life to Amma and after a while she said, "I will allow you to make this film on me!" I called Jan Kounen the next day to propose this documentary to him and he replied, "This is incredible, I was at her meeting standing in line to see her, let's make the film!" That's how it all started."