In the Land of the Gurus
Images from an Indian Journey

India. Dream or nightmare? A young Western woman and her companion tour the Indian Himalayas.

From Delhi, they travel on the roof of a crowded bus to Manali, once an exclusive health resort, now home to many freaks from Europe. Over steep mountain passes, they reach Marteselang, a plateau region high above sea level. Their last stop is steam-filled Manikaran, dominated by temples.

The two meet very different local people. The painter Heni, for example, a Moslem convert to Christianity, whose erotic and political paintings are filled with Christian symbolism. Or the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa, with his sacred bones. Or Baba Hanuman, who vowed to smoke marihuana all his life to be close to Shiva. He talks about terrorism, separatism and drugs. Again and again, the woman listens.

India. Dream or Nightmare? You will know after watching the film.