Skip to main content
Monkey on a Stick film image; close on man in sunglasses wearing beige hoodie

Monkey on a Stick

This event has passed

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada decided to bring his version of ancient Hindu scripture to America in the late 1960s. Despite or because of prescriptions against eating meat, engaging in sex or consuming drugs and alcohol, the Hare Krishna movement became hugely popular in the West — with George Harrison among its devotees. Chanting,orange robed, shaven headed pilgrims were ubiquitous in major cities across North America. Yet by the mid 80s the International Society for Krishna Consciousness was embroiled in multiple scandals involving guns, drugs, money laundering, child abuse, and murder…

Adapted from the New York Times best-selling expose Monkey on a Stick: Murder, Madness, and the Hare Krishnas, Jason Lapeyre’s film uses interviews with former Krishnas and dramatic reenactments to explain how matters spiraled out of control so fast and with such devastating consequences.

 

Oct 31: Q&A with director Jason Lapeyre

Director

Jason Lapeyre

Cast

Brett Wolfe, Kody Poisson

Credits
Country of Origin

Canada

Year

2024

Language

English

19+
106 min

Book Tickets

This event has passed.

Credits

Cinematography

Keenan Lynch

Editor

Ashley Gilmour, Aaron Marshall, Brina Romanek

Original Music

Todor Kobakov

Also Playing

Magic Farm

Dir. Amalia Ulman
93 min

In Amalia Ulman's playful slow burner, a Vice-like camera crew wash up in a sleepy South American village and cook up a story that isn't there with the help of cynical locals eager to take the gringos for every cent.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

Caught by the Tides

Dir. Jia Zhangke
111 min

Over two decades, across China’s rapidly changing landscape, two lovers meet and part and meet again. In this magisterial film, Jia Zhangke refracts the 21st century through a reflexive, retrospective look at his era-defining filmography.

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

Vulcanizadora

Dir. Joel Potrykus
85 min

In Joel Potrykus's singular, edgy comedy, two old friends venture into the woods to let off some fireworks and... other things.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

The Penguin Lessons

Dir. Peter Cattaneo
110 min

Steve Coogan nails a juicy role in the true story of an English teacher in 70s Argentina who reluctantly p-p-picks up a penguin from an oil-slicked beach but finds his new friend is stickier than he looks.

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre