The New Media Film Festival debuts a documentary on Ramana Maharshi with an online June 3 world premiere, included in a two‑day festival showcasing 80 works.
(PRUnderground) May 19th, 2026
Positioning Ramana Maharshi within the broader landscape of global interest in personal inquiry and contemplative practice, the documentary examines why his life and ideas continue to attract attention today. It approaches his story as a subject of cultural and historical relevance, offering context for the continued public fascination with his work.
Rather than framing Ramana Maharshi through a religious lens, the film presents him as a person whose life took an unexpected and remarkable turn. As a young boy, he experienced a profound internal shift that led him to leave home and dedicate himself to understanding the nature of human identity. His method of Self Inquiry, expressed through the simple question “Who am I?”, became a practical tool used by people from all backgrounds. No rituals, no hierarchy, no required belief system — only a direct invitation to explore one’s own experience.
Directed by Leif Heimbold, the film weaves together interviews, historical context, and thoughtful storytelling to illuminate Ramana Maharshi’s life in a grounded and accessible way. Featured contributors include Bill Free, Daniel Schmidt, Tom Das, Sarada Natarajan, and Swami Sarvapriyananda.
The online world premiere will take place Wednesday, June 3 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM PST, followed by a live Q&A with director Leif Heimbold. Screening parties are encouraged so viewers around the world can watch together and join the global conversation.
On June 4, the New Media Film Festival continues in person at The Culver Theater in Los Angeles, totaling 80 titles, including 58 premieres, representing 20 countries.
The festival’s founder and director Susan Johnston was knighted in Rome in 2017 for contributions to arts and humanity, underscoring the festival’s ongoing commitment to honoring stories worth telling and supporting creators whose work expands cultural understanding.
Event details: Turiya – The Life and Teachings of Ramana Maharshi World Premiere Online Screening + Live Q&A June 3, 7:30–9:00 PM PST Get tickets: https://www.newmediafilmfestival.com/turiya/ The festival continues June 4 at The Culver Theater, Los Angeles CA.
About New Media Film Festival
Honoring stories worth telling since 2009, New Media Film Festival® is a Los Angeles–based event celebrating global storytellers working across both established and emerging formats. Showcasing work in more than 28 categories — from narrative and documentary films to pilots, web series, animation, music driven visuals, experimental work, and cutting edge media — the festival champions creators at the forefront of where story meets technology.
Supported by a distinguished judging body that has included professionals from Marvel, HBO, PBS, BBC, ABC, and other leading creative institutions, New Media Film Festival® is recognized for its commitment to discovery, innovation, and the future of storytelling.
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