Ashtanga, NY - A Yoga Documentary (2003)

Ashtanga, NY was originally intended as a concert film celebrating the Ashtanga style of yoga, now wildly popular in the United States and around the world. It follows the aging yoga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois as he gives his final North American workshop in New York City in September 2001. Devotees were arriving from all over the world to partake in a rare opportunity to practice with the 86 year-old Jois. The 9/11 terrorist attacks took place in the midst of this celebration, and dramatically changed the meaning and purpose of this yoga gathering. In the difficult weeks that followed, Jois used the Ashtanga practice to help heal and fortify his diverse followers. This is no intructional video, and these are not your garden-variety contortionists. Ashtanga, NY is a real look into the intersection of ancient practice and modern life, New York-style.