Hot Docs

In this riveting doc, Sieveking, looking for artistic inspiration, decides to take the advice of his filmmaking idol David Lynch and enter the world of transcendental meditation (TM). TM’s founder, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, came to Hollywood in the late 1950s, securing a great many prominent followers that included the Beatles and Mia Farrow. Sieveking participates in an expensive meditation training course, is given a personal mantra, and tries his best to fly like a yogi. But before long, an increasing number of inconsistencies emerge. The Indian guru’s organization is now an empire worth billions. When the Maharishi dies, a quarrel breaks out over his successor, and Lynch becomes one of the organization’s international ambassadors. Sieveking becomes determined to uncover the truth about TM, travelling to India and across the U.S., even when he claims he’s threatened with a lawsuit. Will his quest lead to enlightenment or to a bottomless pit of mystery? - Shannon Abel

Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Media Coverage

National Post (Capsule Review), Globe and Mail (4-Star Capsule Review), Blog TO (Capsule Review), Eye Weekly (Capsule Review)