Ayurveda: Art of Being
Release Date:
July 19, 2002
Limited release
Hope is nature's way of enabling us to survive so that we can discover nature itself.
Ayurveda is an ancient science of life and art of healing where body, mind and spirit are all equally important. Director Nalin Pan uses this documentary feature to take viewers on a journey of discovery through scenic vistas of India, Greece and the US. There is no commentary or narration used in the film. Instead, the story is told from the point of view of various exceptional Vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors), including ten who are internationally renowned in their field. One billion people are treated by Ayurveda today, though it is a legal practice only in India and Sri Lanka. Despite the fact numerous countries specifically ban Ayurveda by law, shampoo, yoga and plastic surgery all have their roots in the practice of the holistic health care system.
The unique method of healing was actually developed over 5,000 years ago in India and the mountains of the southern Himalayas. The word "ayurveda" comes from the Sanskrit words "ayus", meaning life and longevity, and "veda", meaning knowledge and science. Translated literally, the practice is the science of life and involves harmonious integration of mind, body, spirit and senses.
Self-taught filmmaker Pan grew up in the Indian countryside with ample opportunity to live Ayurveda, and once he began the creative process, the project took over three years to complete. The documentary was shot in Super 16 format and will be distributed by Kino on a very limited basis in North America. The movie has already been released in both Switzerland and Germany, where it opened on a surprising 50+ screens. Don't look for that to happen in the US, but positive audience response will go a long way toward determining how much expansion Ayurveda: Art of Being might see. It should be a great candidate for appearances at the various film festivals. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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