Synopsis
Queering Yoga is a documentary about the Queer/Trans/QTPOC yoga movement for healing, self-acceptance, self-discovery, and empowerment. The documentary explores the intersection of Queer/Trans/QTPOC identities and the burgeoning tradition of yoga through the lens of decolonizing yoga. Participants share their stories of personal transformation and healing through yoga. Queer/Trans/QTPOC filmmakers along with Queer/Trans/QTPOC yoga teachers are creating a film about our community, by the community and for it!
Some Questions that Are Explored in Queering Yoga
What is the intersection of Queer/Trans/QTPOC identities and yoga?
How can yoga benefit the lives of Queer/Trans/QTPOC people?
What does empowered and embodied visibility look like for the Queer/Trans/QTPOC communities?
What does it mean to decolonize one’s yoga practice?
How It Began
I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation for many years and I identity as a Queer/Trans individual. Through these intersections of my identities, mindfulness, personal growth, and healing practices, the idea for Queering Yoga the documentary arose! I was inspired to make Queering Yoga when I didn’t see reflections of Queer/Trans/QTPOC voices and stories of personal growth and healing in relation to the yoga movement.
I feel it’s important for Queer/Trans/QTPOC individuals to have a practice to connect with themselves and with a welcoming and safe community that is rooted in healing, authenticity, self-love, personal growth, empowerment, and integration. Any oppressed individual and/or group needs that. Especially the Queer/Trans/QTPOC communities. I have a personal calling to share the stories of Queer/Trans/QTPOC yoga teachers and the intersection of their identities and yoga. To showcase the growing Queer/Trans/QTPOC yoga communities. We need examples of access, safe-space, healing, heart-centered space, representation, and community from empowered perspectives.
As the Producer/Director of Queering Yoga, I’ve been actively working on the documentary with a wonderful team of Queer/Trans/QTPOC crew members and allies since May 2015.
So far we’ve filmed nine powerful interviews of amazing and dynamic participants who have riveting stories they have shared with us. We have now moved into the post-production phase of filmmaking!
We are currently fundraising, applying for grants, and looking for sponsors to partner with so that we can continue with the post-production phase, and cover distribution and exhibition expenses. Our amazing and talented crew of filmmaking professionals need to be paid for their time and work on this project. Please contribute here if you are able: https://www.documentaries.org/queering-yoga/
All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly to Queering Yoga’s fiscal sponsor, The Center for Independent Documentary (CID).
About Producer/Director, Ewan Duarte
Ewan Duarte is a professional writer, artist, and award-winning independent filmmaker based in California. Ewan holds his MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University. Ewan’s practiced and studied yoga and meditation for many years. His prior films Spiral Transition (2010) and Change Over Time (2013) have won awards and screened in more than 140 film festivals worldwide such as Frameline, BFI London LGBT Film Festival, DC Shorts Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, Oslo LGBT Film Festival, Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Gender DocuFilm Festival in Roma, Hamburg International Queer Film Festival, Polari Film Festival in Austin, TX, and many more! His articles have been published in LILIPOH Magazine, Original Plumbing Magazine, IndieWIRE, The Huffington Post, FTM Magazine, Manifest: Transitional Wisdom On Male Privilege, and the Chelsea Station. You can check out his website here: www.ewanduarteproductions.com
You can view Ewan Duarte’s prior two films here:
Spiral Transition: https://vimeo.com/34146537
Change Over Time: https://vimeo.com/66785175
Crew
Ewan Duarte. Director/Producer
Asher Jelinsky. Associate Producer
Avery Hudson. Director of Photography
Jes Gallegos. Director of Photography
Gwen Park. 1st A.C., Web Designer, and Videographer
Ericka Sokolower-Shain. 2nd A.C.
Gavin Murray. Gaffer
Alba Roland Mejia. Gaffer
Christine Dumke. Sound Recordist
Lauretta Molitor. Sound Recordist
Jonathan Wilson. Sound Recordist
Pablo Vivas. PA
Hannah S.P. PA
Sanji DeSilva. PA
Nika Finch. PA
Calvin Ferniza. Grip
Sasha Shvachko. Grip
Lanz Travers. Logo Designer, Graphic Designer
Hunter Rook. Graphic Designer
David Mai. Assistant Editor
Robert Bechtel. Transcriber
Community Advisory Board
We are currently in the process of inviting diverse individuals from the community to be a part of the Community Advisory Board for Queering Yoga. The intention is so that each individual on the board can express their voice and input regarding Queering Yoga, and support the overall vision and creation of the film.
Queering Yoga Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Lisa Mae & The Bhaktishop Yoga Center in Portland, Oregon
Seane Corn
Gold Sponsor
LuLulemon’s Here To Be program
https://info.lululemon.com/heretobe