Laughter and tears were experienced at the February film festival organised by Partha Sarathi devi dasi under the direction of her spiritual master, Mukunda Goswami.

The Radha Giridhari Temple in Auckland was the stage for the festival and attracted many viewers on the fourteen evenings that films were shown. Scenes of Srila Prabhupada’s pastimes, the moon landing, monkeys frolicking on Govardhana Hill, fabulous kirtanas, gorgeous deities, fat people, Polish Woodstock, and hilarious Krsna conscious comedy, kept the viewers riveted to the screen. A short artistic CD put together by local devotee Dhina Bandu captured the meditational mood of Mangala Arati at the Radha Giridhari Temple and completed the festival.

A warm sense of family pervaded the entire festival with Atanu providing a sumptuous pizza feast just before the Friday sessions, and Partha Sarathi serving tasty snacks after each presentation A variety of films provided great entertainment, and for new people, a chance to meet and get to know the devotees in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mukunda Goswami took the opportunity to present his latest CD, "Songs of Devotion". It was produced in Russia and was offered at the reduced price of ten dollars, only during the festival, to raise funds for the Radha Giridhari Temple.

Mukunda Goswami commented that this festival is an example of yukta-vairagya (real renunciation, in which one utilizes everything in the service of the Supreme Lord) and is considering making this festival an annual event

The Couch: Edition 7, February 2005