“For centuries, people have taken many paths in search of lasting happiness. Most have come to the same conclusion: that the most powerful force is love and a life of benevolence – reaching out to the divine and others is a life imbued with the joy of devotion.” 

These opening words of the film The Joy of Devotion, directed by Krisztina Danka (Krishna-Lila dasi) film-maker and executive director of Karuna Productions and her international team, perfectly encapsulate the film’s essence. 

On Thursday 5^th January 2017, ISKCON London and Bhaktivedanta Manor co-hosted the UK film premiere of The Joy of Devotion at the Camden Centre in central London to a large and enthusiastic turnout of approximately 300 leaders, community members and those who have recently taken an interest in the ISKCON movement, as well as those who participated in the film.

The film was created as an offering to Srila Prabhupada, the Founder of the ISKCON movement, during ISKCON’s 50^th anniversary, and is a reflection of the varied and extensive Hare Krishna projects all over the world. Its message is universal and inspiring and a must-see for all spiritualists on their path.

The guest of honour was Sivarama Swami, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and one of the senior leaders in the movement. In his speech, he highlighted that members of ISKCON must constantly endeavour to ensure that the mission of the movement is carried out in the way Srila Prabhupada wanted it.  “What legacy are we going to leave for those who come 50 years after us?”, he asked the attendees; an important and timely reflection indeed.

In addition to the film screening and a talk from Sivarama Swami, attendees were treated to joyous live kirtans on arrival and towards the end of the event, and were provided with complimentary popcorn and delicious appetizers, catered by Govinda’s Restaurant in central London. 

The event was very well-received. Here are some quotes from attendees:  

“Absolutely wonderful. So much time and focused energy – devotion – went into the creation and completion of this film. It epitomises its title perfectly. The Joy of Devotion.” — Jai Nitai dasa, Temple President, ISKCON-London

“You could hear a pin drop in the room…People were totally absorbed in the film.” — Jayadeva dasa, Kirtaneer 

“Yesterday I had the chance to see the “Joy of Devotion” film, and let me tell you, it is extremely well done. I do not even know where to start praising it, everything hung together so well: the stories, the interviews and the excellent camera work. It was very human, strong, emotional and impactful. It was far from propagandistic, it was honest. Yesterday the crowd at the Camden Centre went crazy, there was a joyous ovation at the end. I saw people being deeply moved. Warmest congratulations!”    —Caitya Guru dasa, Videographer / Photographer

“It was a most wonderful experience. The infinite compassion that Srila Prabhupada has is very much evident in the film ‘Joy of Devotion’. Everyone should see it” — Caitanya Chandra dasa, Community Member

Devaki devi dasi, one of the key organisers of the UK film premiere, based at ISKCON-London, says: 

“We strongly encourage other centres and Temples across the UK and globally to purchase a license to screen the film in their locality. The film premiere at the Camden Centre in central London was inspirational for all who attended and increased appreciation of what Srila Prabhupada and his followers have achieved in the last 50 years. The film empowers and inspires each one of us to play our part in pioneering and assisting with further achievements by ISKCON in the upcoming decades.

The event itself was organised by an expert events team in the space of two weeks, from booking a venue to screening the film, that too during the Christmas holiday break. However, this didn’t stop ticket sales nor interest in the event and shows what is possible when there is a first-class film that can attract a large audience.” 

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To watch the trailer and to learn more about other screenings of the film, please visit: http://www.joyofdevotionfilm.com 

To apply for screening license click here: http://www.joyofdevotionfilm.com/hold-a-screening