Private Project

Śiṣya - The Disciple

Śiṣya - The Disciple

25 years ago, Tanja Stiefenhofer, a teenager from Germany, came to India searching for a true path to self-realization. High up in the remote Indian Himalayas, in a gorgeous and intensely spiritual place called Kalishila, Tanja met a reclusive 90 year old yogi who has dedicated over 45 years of his life to performing ancient rituals worshiping the Goddess Mother Kali.

This documentary film chronicles Tanja’s incredible true story; from leaving behind her life in a small German village, to her struggles as she learned to adapt to a new culture, a new religion, and an ancient heritage of customs. The audience gets a glimpse into the devotion and dedication that Tanja needed to endure the harsh living conditions in the Himalayas, while navigating the male-dominated misogynistic spiritual life of a strict monastery.

Follow her journey seeking the path of truth, and witness her transformation from Tanja into Saraswati giri under the guidance of her revered Guru.

  • Saraswathi Balgam
    Director
  • Prashant Buyyala
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    51 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 24, 2018
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Saraswathi Balgam

Saraswathi Balgam (aka Vani), is a self taught photographer, painter and filmmaker. Born in India and being an ardent global traveler gave her the ability to see things differently. Her motivation is to seek beyond what is visible.

Apart from being a filmmaker and a painter, Vani was the founding director and head of the Asian offices for Rhythm & Hues Studios, the multiple academy-award-winning computer Animation and Visual Effects pioneer. She also worked with Dreamworks animation as a Creative in Development and Training. She was also the president of ASIFA India, a non-profit organization focused on promoting the art of animation in India. She also started the Indian chapter of Women in Animation.

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Director Statement

As a young girl, I always wanted to direct films and documentaries, but I was told that the film industry was not a safe place for a woman. I was warned that my safety would be at risk. So I chose a career in VFX and Animation (which was in the safer confines of an office), but my dream to direct films never waned. After over a decade of delaying, I broke all my self imposed boundaries and decided to make "Sisya - The Disciple". What started 10 years ago as a passion for photography, took wings to becoming this documentary. As this is my first debut feature documentary, I am excited to share Tanja's extraordinary journey with you all.