What happens when a childhood memory of a sankirtan story stays with you for decades—and eventually becomes a film?
In this episode of the Namarasa Podcast, I sit down with Gita Dasi, writer, director, and producer of the devotional short film Best Friend.
Gita first heard the story that inspired Best Friend as a young girl growing up in Lithuania. Years later, during the isolation of the pandemic, that forgotten memory resurfaced. What began as a creative outlet eventually became a four-year filmmaking journey filled with obstacles, unexpected help, and what Gita describes as Krishna’s arrangement.
With virtually no budget, no professional filmmaking experience, and a small volunteer team, Gita somehow brought the project to completion. Along the way, five editors left the project, production repeatedly stalled, and there were moments when she wondered whether the film would ever be finished.
But Best Friend became much more than a film.
In our conversation, Gita shares:
• The childhood memory that inspired Best Friend
• How the idea resurfaced during the pandemic
• The incredible challenges of making the film with very limited resources
• Why five different editors eventually left the project
• How she learned to let go of being the “doer” and allow Krishna to arrange things
• Why she wanted to portray devotees and Krishna consciousness authentically and respectfully
• What happened when non-devotee actors and crew members encountered Krishna consciousness for the first time
• The role of Bhakti Marga Swami in the film
• How filmmaking became a form of outreach and “soft preaching”
• Her vision for bringing Best Friend to audiences around the world
• And why Gita considers the film a small offering toward Srila Prabhupada’s mission
Best Friend is ultimately a story about faith, friendship, sankirtan, and Krishna's protection in difficult circumstances.
WATCH / LEARN MORE ABOUT BEST FRIEND
🎬 Best Friend on IMDb:
IMDb — Best Friend
📖 Read the full story behind the film on ISKCON News:
ISKCON News — A Forgotten Sankirtan Story Becomes a Powerful Short Film
📸 Follow Best Friend on Instagram:
@best_friend_film on Instagram
📘 Follow Best Friend on Facebook:
Best Friend on Facebook
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