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Take Me To The River is a documentary film of the Maha Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival and pilgrimage which was the largest gathering in the history of the world. The film documents the event by immersing you in the midst of the madness. Experience a roller coaster of emotions as obscurity and clarity flow across the crowded and dusty flood plain of Ganges and Yamuna Rivers. Through misty dawns, crowded streets, peaceful moments and chaotic sprints to the river, you'll journey into the Sangam, the physical and spiritual heart of the Mela where sins are cleansed, bathers can escape infinite karmic cycles and world peace is possible. You'll meet Swamis from the largest and most prestigious Hindu holy orders, ascetic naga babas, boatmen, policemen and pilgrims.

 

While interviews provide a narrative for the film, Take Me To The River offers more than an analytical portrait of the Kumbh Mela. Shot in Super 16mm film with music recorded exclusively at the festival, the blatant premises and subtle nuances of the Maha Kumbh Mela come alive with a striking visual intensity. While uncovering the Mela's historical origins, examining the importance of ritual and searching for personal redemption, "Take Me To The River" ultimately conveys the essence of the Mela experience.

 

The Maha Kumbh Mela, that took place in Allahabad, India in January 2001, is estimated to be the largest gathering of human beings in the history of the world. Official figures state that over 27 million people came to bathe on one day alone - January 24, which was the most favorable time for a "holy dip" in the waters of the Sangam.

 

Near the beginning of time, according to Hindu Myth, the Gods and Demons battled for possession of the amrit (nectar of immortality). In the struggle, four drops of nectar fell to the ground. Hindus believe that these places continue to reverberate with the power and energy of the gods and Mela's are held every 3 years in one of the four holy locations. The Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is considered the most auspicious is because it occurs at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati Rivers.

 

Kenneth Eng is a Boston native who moved to New York City to study film making at the School of Visual Arts in 1994. Ken's student thesis, "Scratching Windows", was broadcast on WNET, New York City's PBS "Reel Life." Co-founder of the New York based multimedia and video production company, Python Aquarius, Ken has directed numerous music videos and documentary productions. "Take Me To The River" demonstrates Ken's innovative and distinct style, and puts him at the forefront of a revolution in documentary filmmaking.

 

Colin Bressler is a graduate of the school of visual arts in New York. In 1998 he was selected by his peers and faculty members at the School of Visual Arts for the Dusty Award for outstanding achievement in cinematography. That same year, he was nominated for the A.S.C. national award for best cinematography by a student or newcomer. Since graduation, Colin has shot twelve short subject films of varying lengths and styles, three feature films, and an eclectic mix of music videos and commercials. Colin has worked in digital and film formats. Colin Bressler is an emerging cinematographer with great experience and a great future in film.

 

Joshua Geisler graduated from the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, before travelling to Bombay in 1999 to study bansuri (traditional bamboo flute) under master Pandit Raghunath Seth. Mr. Geisler and percussionist Shane Shanahan (recently returned from touring in Europe with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project) set up a small recording studio at the Projectile Arts "compound" at the Kumbh Mela, inviting local people, and other musicians attending the festival, to join them in recording traditional and original works.

Approximately 80 minutes. The majority of the visual material was shot on Super-16mm Kodak film with an Arriflex SR-II. Additional material was shot on Mini Digital Video with Sony PD-150, PC-100, Canon GL-1 and Elura. Some 35mm and digital still photography will also be included. Sound and music recorded on location using an HHB PortaDAT digital audio recorder, as well as a Sony Mini Disc recorder and MiniDV. A small recording studio was established at our residence/production office where local and visiting musicians were invited to play together with some of the members of our crew. Except for some subtle motifs, all sound and music were recorded exclusively on location at the Kumbh Mela. Take Me To The River is a work of art with an expressive goal: to immerse the viewer in the documented environment emotionally, as well as visually and audibly. For this reason, the film was conceived and produced specifically to be seen on a large screen as a 35mm print. We are also exploring additional avenues for television broadcast and video release. These formats may reach a broader audience and prove to be more financially viable than a large-scale theatrical release. Click here for a schedule of upcoming screenings. This film is primarily focused toward an educated adult audience in the United States and other western countries who are interested in events in foreign lands that are overlooked by the mass media. However, the entertaining and experiential nature of the work and the impressive and enchanting reality of the environment that it covers make it accessible to virtually anyone, anywhere. Projectile Arts, Inc. is a non-profit ( 501c3 ) public charity. Funding for the production of Take Me To The River was provided solely through grants and private donations. Initial income from the distribution or broadcast of the film will be used to produce more projects that pursue the Projectile Arts mission. Any income that exceeds the initial production costs will be redirected to charity groups that support the communities represented in the film. Click here for a schedule of upcoming screenings.