![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img01-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nISKCON-London & Bhaktivedanta Manor Communications<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cFor centuries, people have taken many paths in search of lasting happiness. Most have come to the same conclusion: that the most powerful force is love and a life of benevolence – reaching out to the divine and others is a life imbued with the joy of devotion.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
These opening\u00a0words of the film\u00a0The Joy of Devotion, directed by Krishna-Lila\u00a0d\u001f\u001fasi,\u00a0ISKCON film-maker\u00a0and editor of ISKCON News website,\u00a0alongside\u00a0Karuna Productions,\u00a0perfectly encapsulate\u00a0the film’s essence.\u00a0
\n\u00a0
\nOn Thursday 5th\u00a0January 2017, ISKCON-London and Bhaktivedanta Manor,\u00a0co-hosted the UK film premiere of\u00a0The Joy of Devotion\u00a0at the Camden Centre in central London to a large and enthusiastic turnout of approximately 300 leaders, community members and those who have recently taken an interest in the ISKCON movement, as well as those who participated in the film.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img02-1.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img03-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The film was created as an offering to\u00a0Srila\u00a0Prabhupada, the Founder of the ISKCON movement, during\u00a0ISKCON\u2019s 50th\u00a0anniversary,\u00a0and is a reflection\u00a0of the varied and extensive\u00a0Hare\u00a0Krishna projects\u00a0all\u00a0over\u00a0the world. Its message is universal and\u00a0inspiring and\u00a0a must-see for all spiritualists on their path.<\/p>\n
The guest of honour was HH\u00a0Sivarama\u00a0Swami, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and one of the senior leaders in the movement. In his speech, he highlighted that\u00a0members of ISKCON must constantly\u00a0endeavour\u00a0to ensure that\u00a0the mission of the movement is carried out in the way\u00a0Srila\u00a0Prabhupada\u00a0wanted it.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat legacy are we going to leave for those who come 50 years after us?\u201d,\u00a0he asked the attendees; an important\u00a0and timely reflection\u00a0indeed.
\n\u00a0
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img04-1.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img05-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
In addition to the film screening and a talk from HH Sivarama Swami, attendees were treated to\u00a0joyous live kirtans on arrival and towards the end of the event, and were provided with\u00a0complimentary\u00a0popcorn and\u00a0delicious\u00a0appetizers, catered by Govinda’s Restaurant in central London.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img06.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img07.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The event was\u00a0very well-received. One attendee said:\u00a0
\n“It was a most wonderful experience. The infinite compassion that Srila Prabhupada has is very much evident in the film ‘Joy of Devotion’. Everyone should see it”.<\/p>\n
Devaki devi dasi, one of the key organisers of the UK film premiere, based at ISKCON-London, says:\u00a0
\n“We strongly encourage other centres and Temples across the UK and globally to purchase a license to screen the film in their locality.\u00a0The film premiere at the Camden Centre in central London was inspirational for all who attended and increased appreciation of what Srila Prabhupada and his followers have achieved in the last 50 years. The film empowers and inspires each one of us\u00a0to play our part in pioneering and assisting with further achievements by ISKCON in the upcoming decades.<\/p>\n
The event itself\u00a0was organised by an expert events team in the space of two weeks, from booking a venue to screening the film, that too during the Christmas holiday break. However, this didn’t stop ticket sales nor interest in the event and shows what is possible when there is a first-class film that can attract a large audience.”\u00a0<\/p>\n