ABOUT

AGNIYOGANA is a meditative inquiry into the lost art of classical Hatha Yoga. Offering an experiential collage of action and stillness, light and darkness, sound and silence, AGNIYOGANA explores the richness of traditional Hatha Yoga teachings.

AGNIYOGANA takes the viewer on a journey through time and space to rediscover the inner dimensions of Hatha Yoga and the true meaning of “yuj,”(yoga).

Our documentary film begins with a visual and aural initiation. The journey inward then explores the key requirements of Hatha Yoga: Firmness of mind; the importance of faith; the necessity of a qualified teacher; skillful moderation; the methods to restrain the senses; and the practice of universal equanimity.

Throughout the film we examine the microcosm of the internal self in relation to the macrocosm of the elements, seasons, time of day, and other external forces of nature. The narrative is woven together through commentary, wisdom, and insight from those who continue to uphold and live by the ancient ways of yoga. Throughout, AGNIYOGANA offers rarely seen glimpses of traditional Hatha Yoga practices as expressed by modern day yogins.

AGNIYOGANA is a meditation.

Director’s Statement

AGNIYOGANA, the film’s title, refers to the yoking of one’s own inner fire. This inner fire is what transmutes and transforms every living being so they may become more fully awake, vibrant, and alive.

The commentary on the Vedas known as the Satapatha Brahmana states: Then…when about to speak the morning prayer, he yokes the fire altar…and when yoked, he obtains all wishes.” (9:4:4:1). So how does one yoke the fire to obtain our wishes for ourselves and humanity? This question is the basis for my lifelong inquiry into Hatha Yoga.

As I studied the classical texts and systems of Hatha Yoga, and travelled the globe meeting those who were adept in the traditional forms, I saw the great potential of a film that illuminated the holistic practices of Hatha Yoga through the words and experience of authentic practitioners.

We needed to go back to the roots. To reveal these traditional practices to others so they may be remembered and once again shared with a world in need. To light the fire of inquiry in the next generation of spiritual aspirants.

The tagline of AGNIYOGANA, “Lower the Head and Invoke the Fire,” is an invitation to bow to the fire within each of us. 

Emma Balnaves, April 2019

Dr. Robert Svoboda
Dr. Robert SvobodaAuthor, Speaker, Teacher and Practitioner of Ayurveda, Jyotish, Tantra and allied subjects
Read More
“Control of fire is what makes us human, and yoking that fire judiciously is what permits us to transcend our human limitations. The many varieties of yoga all entail transmutation of our inner fire. As today’s world relentlessly commodifies everything it touches, including yoga, the need for reminders of what yoga really is, and how it can transform lives in our urban jungles, becomes ever more critical. Fortunately, as this film illustrates, genuine traditions still exist, and serious individuals still follow them, as can anyone who is willing to invest the time and energy to awaken and cultivate the fire within.”
Namarupa
NamarupaCategories of Indian Thought
Read More
There are many films about Hatha yoga— how is your film different? The idea of making this film evolved over the last ten years as I witnessed widespread confusion growing around the term ‘Yoga’, and how increased commercial pressure and was leading to slow degeneration of the practices taught in its name. I saw the great potential of a film that illuminated yoga’s original traditions and holistic practices through the words and experiences of authentic practitioners.
Carole Migalka
Carole Migalka@carole_migalka
Read More
“Forty-four million posts showing varied states of acrobatics and gymnastics symbolise a steady decline of the term yoga. Worship of external achievement has the word tacked on to everything from aerial to paddleboard and the name "Hatha Yoga" confused with a style rather than a science.”
Shri Sahajananda
Shri SahajanandaBased on’ Shri Sahajananda’s Hatha Yoga Manjari
Read More
“The scholar may tell you the meaning of the word, but it is the Guru that will take you to experience the meaning of the word since it lives in him while it is devoid within the scholar”
Previous
Next

FEATURING

VIEWER RESPONSES

Darin Betro
Read More
I sat there watching Agniyogana spellbound. From the first moment when Shandor's resonating voice began, the shot of the clouds and the running water pierced straight through me. I enjoyed the structure of the film, with each of the steps being made so clear as well. Overall for me it was a brilliant experience and I actually look forward to seeing it again for another exposure to pick up some more of the detail.
Lara Damiani@think_films_
Read More
How absolutely magical to see this incredible project come together - the vision, music and sound. Congratulations to Emma and her team on an amazing effort making this film which has been a wonderful insight into a fascinating world.
Glen Casey
Read More
AgniYogana is a visual masterpiece capturing the extraordinary lives and oldest traditions of Yoga through the eyes and words of the worlds most knowledgable teachers. Incredibly moving and deeply informative, AgniYogana has given us a glimpse into where yoga has lost its way in the west, but how the tradition has been protected and preserved in the east. Hopefully this film creates a barometer and a guiding light for teachers and students of this timeless lineage to work within.
Gary Mills
Read More
Agniyogana is energizing and inspiring. It expresses the essence of real Yoga through beautifully filmed sequences of scenery and imagery, narration, and thoughtful interviews. It breathes and has good rhythym throughout it’s journey.
Krishna Das@krishnadasmusic
Read More
This film is a stunningly beautiful, inspiring, revelatory journey into the deep roots of Yoga. It sheds light on the foundational truths that we need to embrace in order to live a life that is in harmony with the Universe inside and out.
Juliette Saleshttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0758118/
Read More
As a French screenwriter, with over 15 scripts brought to the screen, I am writing regarding "Agniyogana", written and directed by Emma Balnaves. I would like to express my support for this film which explores the richness of the Hatha yoga tradition, the daily traditional practices and how this ancient art can be realized today. Emma takes us on a journey that speaks to, and touches, us all. Yogini or not. This is because she has made a movie about life. How to experience and respect this sparkle of energy that has been passed on to us, with as much awareness as possible. I therefore can only recommend "Agniyogana" to the attention of all distributors and exhibitors worldwide.
Maya Smeloff
Read More
Stunning and Inspirational. After watching this movie, I immediately wanted to see it again. The movies visual and music together engulfed my senses. The unique coverage of different spiritual practices, allows the viewer to have a deeper understanding of the practice and expanse of yoga.
Sanzey Family
Read More
One hour of deep insight into the true path of yoga with precious advices and informations for anyone interested or experienced in yoga. The attention to details is present through the whole journey and add to the richness of the experience. Very beautiful and inspiring!
Previous
Next

You can watch Agniyogana in various ways

Watch via Vimeo on Demand

You can now watch Agniyogana via Vimeo on Demand. Follow this yogic journey in the comfort of your own home.

Community screening license

If you would like to host a screening of Agniyogana at your yoga studio, community centre or private event, we have three license types: 50 people or less, 51 people or more, or a premium license.

FILM SCREENINGS

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra

Thursday Feb 06, 7:30pm

Palace Electric Cinema

Screening Complete

NEW SOUTH WALES

Byron Bay

Wednesday Feb 26, 6:30pm

Palace Cinemas Byron Bay

Screening Complete

Erina

Thursday Mar 19, 8:00pm

Hoyts Erina

Screening Complete

Moore Park

Thursday Apr 3, 6:30pm

Hoyts Cinema Paris

Screening Complete

Sawtell

Wednesday Feb 05, 6:30pm

Majestic Cinemas Sawtell

Screening Complete

Sydney

Wednesday Feb 19, 6:30pm

Dendy Opera Quays

Screening Complete

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane
Thursday Mar 19, 6:30pm

New Farm Cinemas

Screening Complete

Coorparoo

Wednesday Feb 05, 6:30pm

Dendy Cinemas Coorparoo

Screening Complete

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Adelaide

Thursday Feb 27, 6:30pm

Wallis Piccadilly Cinemas

Screening Complete

VICTORIA

Carlton

Thursday Feb 06, 6:45pm

Cinema Nova

Screening Complete

Western Australia

Fremantle

Monday Feb 24, 6:30pm

Luna SX

Screening Complete

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Vancouver

Tuesday Jan 28, 7:00pm

Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas

Screening Complete

ONTARIO

Toronto

Tuesday Jan 28, 7:00pm

Cineplex Yonge-Dundas and VIP

Screening Complete

QUEBEC

Montréal

Tuesday Jan 28, 7:00pm

Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin Cinemas

Screening Complete

London

Camden Town

Wednesday March 25, 06:30pm

Odeon Camden Town

Screening Complete

Covent Garden

Wednesday Sept 4, 6:30pm

Odeon Covent Garden

Screening complete 

Berkshire

Bracknell

Thursday Feb 06, 8:00pm

Odeon Bracknell

Screening complete 

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

16:00, Friday, 14 February

ZOA Theatre, 1 Daniel Frish Street.

Screening Complete

DE Houten

Province Utrecht

2pm, Sunday, Jan 19, 2020

Screening complete

AUCKLAND

Auckland

Thursday Jul 23, 6:30pm

Rialto Cinemas Newmarket

Howick

Friday Dec 13, 6:30pm

Monterey Cinemas Howick

Screening Complete

Northcote

Monday Dec 09, 6:30pm

The Bridgeway

Screening Complete

BAY OF PLENTY

Tauranga

Thursday Dec 12, 6:30pm

Event Cinemas Tauranga

Screening Complete

CANTERBURY

Christchurch

Wednesday Dec 11, 6:30pm

Hoyts Riccarton

Screening Complete

HAWKE’S BAY

Havelock North

Thursday Dec 12, 6:30pm

Event Cinemas Havelock North

Screening Complete

NELSON

Nelson

Wednesday Dec 18, 6:18pm

Suter Gallery

Screening Complete

NORTHLAND

Whangarei

Wednesday Mar 25, 8:15pm

Event Cinemas Whangarei

TARANAKI

New Plymouth

Thursday Dec 12, 6:30pm

Event Cinema New Plymouth

Screening Complete

WAIKATO

Te Rapa

Tuesday Dec 10, 6:30pm

Hoyts Te Awa The Base

Screening Complete

CALIFORNIA

Irvine

Wednesday Jan 08, 6:30pm

Regal Market Place 10

Screening Complete

Fresno

Wednesday Dec 04, 6:30pm

Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX

Screening Complete

Los Angeles

Wednesday Nov 20, 6:30pm

Cinemark 18 & XD

Screening Complete

Berkeley

Wednesday Oct 23, 6:30pm

Cinema: UA Berkeley 7

Screening Complete

South Carolina

Greenville

Thursday Mar 19, 8:00pm

Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 & RPX

Screening Complete

FLORIDA

Port Orange

Wednesday Jan 08, 6:30pm

Regal Pavilion Stadium 14

Screening Complete

Georgia

Alpharetta

Wednesday Feb 26, 6:30pm

Regal Avalon 12

Screening Complete

Hawaii

Honolulu

Monday May 11, 6:30pm
Regal Dole Cannery Stadium
18 IMAX & RPX

Screening Complete

ILLINOIS

Chicago

Tuesday Jan 28, 6:30pm

Regal Webster Place 11

Screening Complete

MASSACHUSETTS

Somerville

Wednesday Dec 18, 8:00pm

AMC ASSEMBLY ROW 12

Screening Complete

NEW JERSEY

Morristown

Wednesday Nov 27, 6:30pm

AMC HEADQUARTERS 10

Screening Complete

NEW YORK

New York

Friday, 26 June, 6:30pm

New York

Monday Dec 02, 8:00pm

Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 & RPX

Screening Complete

OREGON

Portland

Thursday Nov 07, 6:30pm

Regal Fox Tower Stadium

Screening Complete

TEXAS

Houston

Thursday Jan 09, 6:30pm

Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Stadium 24 & RPX

Screening Complete

WASHINGTON

Bellevue

Wednesday Jan 08, 6:30pm

Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas

Screening Complete

Barcelona

Carrer de Girona

Friday, Jan 17, 2020

Cinemes Girona
175 Carrer de Girona
08037 Barcelona

Screening complete

Istanbul

Kadıköy

7pm, Thursday, April 23rd

Kadikoy Theatre (Kadıköy Sineması)

Further screenings and distribution details are currently being added.
To stay up to date with the latest news – sign up for our newsletter.

team​

Director/Producer Emma Balnaves
Editor Lindi Harrison, ASE
Composers Marihiko Hara, Ryuichi Sakamoto
Executive Producers Judy Yu, David Lipsius, Emma Balnaves
Associate Producer Alexandra Gilbert
Assistant Editor/Online Editor/Colourist Danny Phillips
Sound Design/Editing/Mix Carlos Manrique Clavijo, Tom Heuzenroeder
Copy Editor John Evans
Production Consultant Katrina Lucas

Nepal/India

Principal Cinematography Umut Gunduz, Drew Stansbury
Additional Cinematography Tarun Jasani, Emma Balnaves
Nepal Sound Assistant Alexandra Gilbert

South Australia

Studio Yoga Shoot Hendon Studios
Cinematography 1st Dop Chris Hertzfeld, 2nd Dop Umut Gunduz
Gaffer Richard Rees-Jones
Trailer Editor Tania Nehme

Translators Champa Hundrup, Bharat Giri Ratna (Tibetan), Soni Mainali (Nepalese)
Transliteration of Interviews Champa Hundrup (Tibetan) Mila Productions (Nepalese)
Subtitles Jampa Monlam (Tibetan) Jorgen Gazmere (Nepalese)
Graphics Abra Remphrey (Detour Design)

Shiva Samhita translated into English by Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu

Biographies

Director / producer

Emma Balnaves is the producer and director of AGNIYOGANA and an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1998.

Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a rigorous three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.

After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching. AGNIYOGANA is her first film. She was inspired to create AGNIYOGANA as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring greater understanding to all aspects of the practice.

Emma is the author of three publications, “Nataraja – the Lord of Multiple Forms,” “Yoga for Women,” and “Seasonal Mandala”. She is co-founder and director of Shadow Yoga (a form of classical Hatha Yoga) and Nṛtta Sādhanā. Emma resides in Adelaide, Australia with her husband and teaching partner, Shandor Remete. shadowyoga.com

EDITING / COLOURIST / SOUND DESIGN & MIX

Lindi Harrison is a highly acclaimed editor of award-winning Documentary, Drama and Arts programs for local and international broadcast and cinema release. She has edited a range of award winning feature length documentaries and has been nominated for several awards, including an AACTA Award for Best Editing in a Documentary.
imdb.com/name/nm0365710/

Danny Phillips is an editor and colourist with over 15  years experience as a post-production professional. He has worked both nationally and internationally on projects ranging from small scale 3 minute micro-documentaries, to fully funded television broadcast series.
dannyphillips.com.au

Carlos A. Manrique Clavijo is a sound designer who has worked in several award-winning productions including fiction, documentary and predominantly, animation.
karu-karu.com

Tom Heuzenroeder is a Primetime Emmy Award nominated sound designer and has worked in film and television sound post-production for over 20 years in Australia and abroad. He ran a studio in Adelaide writing and recording music for commercials and corporate productions before turning to feature films and establishing a sound facility at the South Australian Film Corporation. He has been recognized for his sound design work with an AFI award and the Australian Screen Sound Guild’s Andrew Plain Award for Best Film Sound Design.
imdb.com/name/nm0381928/

MUSIC

Marihiko Hara is a composer residing in Kyoto, Japan. His main interest is to compose serene silence in music and to pursue his own texture of sounds, through electric/acoustic sounds and field recordings.
marihikohara.com 

Our friend, Ryuichi Sakamoto, created a new piece of music for this film.
sitesakamoto.com

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Umut Gunduz is a UK based filmmaker. He has worked as a director, editor and cameraperson for major broadcasters (CA, BBC) and various international companies and organisations.
visionthingstudio.com

Chris Herzfeld is a filmmaker and the founder of Camlight Productions, specializing in high quality imagery. He was the cinematographer and co-Producer of the short film “Alistair’ and has worked on five feature films.
camlight.com.au

Drew Stansbury is a multidisciplinary digital producer with more than 20 years experience in bringing digital products to life. He is an Executive Producer for ‘I’m Content’.
imcontent.com.au

Thank you to our major crowdfunding donors

Gold Circle

Anna Krasnova
Anonymous
Caterina Hadjilias
Gerald K. Wu
Jennifer Burke
Karen Rinaldi
Mikhail Skigin
Shawn M Flot & Laurie Christomos




Silver Circle

Christopher J. Koenig & Leah M. Wingard
Janice Kramer
Judy Yu & Mark Horner
Julie Daily
Kathleen Moynahan
Lara
Patrick & Amy Sweeney
Shehab
Smadar Dvora Levy
Susan Turner




Supporter Circle

Amelie Strecker
Darin Betro
Deirdre S. Longo
Gary Mills
Helen Roth
Islington Yoga
Koyu Terasawa
Kristen Hazard
Martin Hunke
Miko Divan
Nicky Shinder
Paul Duncan
Richmond C. Dickson
Rosie Cardone
Shelle & Brian Ball
Steven Haun
Suzanne Cohen
Veronica Moore

AU$300 Donors

Alexandra Macdonald
Allison R
Andrew Nelson
AnneGro Egeberg
Ari Wenig
Bella Armstrong
Birgit Schoißwohl
Caterina Hadjilias
Catherine Halcomb
Costanza Manciani
David Malka
Dean Carson
Dianna Oles
Eugene J. Hunner
Gaute Waldow
Hatha Yoga Desha
Heidi Chew
Helen Mamas
Ian
Ivan Poletaev
Jeffrey
Jonny Nobleza
KaoriI Azuma
Kelly Doughty
Linda Della Maggiora
Mari Suwa-Whitehouse
Matthias Roth
Megan Troup
Michael Cooney
Mojra
Molnár Irén
Monique Ledesma
Natasha Almeida
Petr Růžička
Siva
Stepan Sydoruk
Thomas Hughes
Tillmann Pape
Tony Wu Jia Ye
Trevor Yoga
Yumiko Obata

AU$200 Donors

Akiko Ueda
Alexandra Gilbert
Almakiewicz Fabien
Amy Wong
Andrea Arriaga
Anita Dammacco
Anna Hawken
Anne Guillaume
Annika Lindberg
Brahman
Chiara Letizia
Chris McKenna
Christina Desser
Cody S.
Danielle Lee
Danny and Kathryn
Darcy
Dominica Kriz
Elaine Ormiston
Emily Connor
Fred Pockrass & Ina Pockrass
Gilbert Diêm Nga
Goldenmonkey Healing
Inbal Sinai
James Chiu
Kerstin Fooken
Kyra Marwaha
Lisa Simon
Lita Batho
Louise Goodvach
Manu Butterworth
Maria Veber
Maria-Christina Katsoulis
Maya.om
Megan Ahearn
Meidad Greenfield
Natalie Smith
Niki Kriz
Nikki Taylor
Oaklands IYC
Razi
Rebecca Barlow
Rebecca & Roland
Renee Punzi
Ron Van Der Ham
Ronen Cohen
Ruth McGuigan
Sachiko Niimura
Sandra Nicht

AU$120 Donors

Adela A
Aki
Alejandra Alsina
Alexis Armenakis
Alexis Colman
Alison Crook
Anon
Antonio Alemanno
Asheville School of Massage & Yoga
Cass
Cinthia García Romero
Colleen M. Taylor
Dahlia Strecker
Dasha Goricki
Dean Abt
Defne and Kokia Sparis
Dieneke Schram-Bijkerk
Eileen
Elisabeth Westre
Frøydis Elvestrand
Gloria Juárez
Invisible movements-Nermin & Nesrin Salepci
Jaymin Gansell
Jodi Sigsworth
John and Louisa Yu
John Barnes
John Sherburne
Juleigh Slater
Juliette Sales
Kaja Keil
Kavita Vora
Lakshmi Angela Norwood
Luke Featherston
Marie-Laure
Megan
Meghna Majmudar
Michiyo Domon
Mileva Krunic
Nicolet Montanus/ Shadow Yoga Nederland
Nili
Nimmi Kovvali
Nina Krylow
Noa Gottfried
Nozomi
Sabine Irawan
Shantala
Kelly Schalk
Steven & Jill
Teri Carson

And many thanks to all of the generous backers of our Kickstarter Campaign and at Donate.com for your support in bringing this project to life!

Thank you to the teachers and their students who supported the film through global studio fundraising events.

Asia

Japan
Akiko Ueda

Australia

Adelaide
Gary Mills

Central Coast
Peter Mulholland

Melbourne
Louise Goodvach
Peter Ujvari
Tanya Levy

Sydney
Juliet Williams
Natasha Almeida
Penny Cuthbert
Trevor Tangye

Canada

Quebec
Radhasri

Europe

England
Caterina Hadjilias
Karen Watson
Monique Ledesma
Pauline Morphett
Samantha Sculthorp
Tim Cummins

France
Alexandra Gilbert
Valerie Carretero

Germany
Daphne Strohmann
Michael Dolan

Holland
Nicole Montanus

Italy
Antonio Alemanno

Norway
Gaute Waldow

Russia
Andrey Galitskiy
Boris Voronin

Spain
Amelie Strecker

Ukraine
Andrey Rozhnov

Middle East

Israel
David Malka
Noa Gottfried
Ronen Cohen

Turkey
Defne Suman

New Zealand

Jaymin Gansell
Natalie Smith

United States

California
Catherine Halcomb
Chandra Easton
Cindy Lee
Judy Yu
Mark Horner
Scott Blossom
Shelley Massa Gooch

New York
Andy Matinog
Maya Smelloff

Oregon
Lita Batho

stay informed!

Subscribe to receive, notifications and screening details for Agniyogana.