Kino-Eye Center hosts a special screening of Kumaré at the Rice University Media Center.
On March 16th, I had the pleasure of moderating an excellent Q&A, following the screening of the 2012 SXSW award winning documentary Kumaré. I caught this film at the IDFA premier in Amsteradam, before it was theatrically released by Kino Lorber, and it is one of my all-time fest favs. Vikram Gandhi is definitely one of the top 10 up-and-coming directors of our time!
We were joined after the screening by Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber and VP Elizabeth Sheldon for a compelling Q&A session. Students, faculty, and members of the community had the opportunity to ask questions about Kumaré, the film industry, media distribution/exhibition, and a variety of other compelling topics.
Kumaré is now available for purchase and on Netflix. If you were unable to attend the screening, I STRONGLY encourage you to watch this amazingly cinematic documentary! See below for a synopsis and info on the film. ***NOW AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX***
Synopsis
A provocative social experiment-turned-documentary, KUMARE follows American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi as he transforms himself into a wise Indian guru, hoping to prove the absurdity of blind faith. Instead, he finds himself forging profound connections with people from all walks of life and wondering if and when to reveal his true self. Will his followers accept his final teaching? Can this illusion reveal a greater spiritual truth? Winner of South by Southwest’s Audience Award, KUMARE is an insightful look at faith and belief.
http://www.kinolorber.com/press-detail.php?id=1273
“Art of Film” discussion panel with Kino Lorber VP Elizabeth Sheldon
In coordination with the screening, I coordinated and hosted a Kino-Eye Center sponsored coffee table discussion, during which Rice University students had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Sheldon about the evolving world of film distribution, including theatrical exhibition, multi-platform digital distribution, and marketing promotion.
Ms. Sheldon used case studies of such Kino Lorber films as the Oscar nominated 5 Broken Cameras and SXSW award winner Kumaré to provide an overview of the sometimes mysterious acquisition, marketing, and distribution process. Students were also provided information on various career opportunities, including the prestigious Kino Lorber Summer Internship program.
