ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
1893: YEAR OF THE YOGI is the untold origin story that traces the popularity of yoga in America back to a single event with the arrival of Swami Vivekananda.
SYNOPSIS
It was 1893 when Swami Vivekananda introduced America to the knowledge of ancient India through yoga. Not since the arrival of Columbus has a foreigner heralded such radical change to the fabric of American culture. Yoga’s steady rise into the zeitgeist of Western culture over the past 100 years is evidenced through such films as Stars Wars and The Matrix, the music of the Beatles and Coldplay, in literature from Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World to countless top selling self-improvement books extolling mindfulness and meditation, from the adoption of Ayurvedic medicine, to the popularity for athleisure apparel and the presence of a yoga studio on every Main Street USA.
Featuring interviews from leaders in film, music, sport, and religion woven together with colorful animation and archival footage, 1893: YEAR OF THE YOGI presents the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda. True to Vivekananda’s core message of inclusiveness, the film draws from a vast trove of books, speeches, and letters that underscore yoga’s broad appeal to diverse audiences. Classical Indian music including the Swami’s own compositions coupled with contemporary Western artists inspired by ancient tradition create a sonic tapestry that elevates the film’s narrative. Times of challenge represent the greatest opportunity for reflection and growth, and 1893: YEAR OF THE YOGI serves that mission as an artistic continuation of Vivekananda’s work.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR Nicholas Oscoff
PRODUCER Nicholas Oscoff, Stash Slionski, Chris Panizzon, Shira Lazar
FACEBOOK Facebook Page
The Film Collaborative (TFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs and services for independent filmmakers. TFC’s federal tax ID number is 32-0295081. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Support a TFC Fiscal Sponsorship Project
Please help support this project with a tax deductible contribution. The “donate” button below will take you to PayPal, but a PayPal account is not required to make a donation. You can check out 2 ways:
- Use your PayPal account
- Check out as a guest by selecting “Donate with a Debit or Credit Card” (no PayPal account is required)
Transaction Fee
Please consider covering the PayPal transaction fee by selecting the “I’d like to add to my donation to help offset the cost of processing” box on the next page. This will ensure your intended full donation amount will be received for the project.
Alternate Donation Payment Methods
If you prefer to donate by check, Zelle, ACH, or wire transfer, please email us for instructions.
Stock Donations
TFC accepts stock donations. By donating stock that has appreciated for more than a year, you are giving 20% more than if you sold the stock and then made a cash donation, since you will not pay capital gains taxes on the donated stock. Learn more here.
Please email us for instructions to donate stock to a fiscally sponsored project.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Donations
A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is like a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations. TFC accepts DAF donations and is on file with most major DAF companies. Provide your DAF TFC’s Tax ID: 32-0295081. If we are already on file with your DAF company, they will process the donation.
If TFC is not already on file with your DAF company, please email us for instructions.
Tax Receipts
In compliance with IRS rules, tax receipts for your charitable gift are issued for the amount The Film Collaborative receives after payment processor fees are deducted. The Film Collaborative emails tax receipts in PDF format within 30 days of your online donation. The “receipt” that is immediately sent to you from PayPal after you donate is just a payment receipt, not the tax receipt.
Matching Donations
Many companies have matching gift programs and can help you double your donation to a project of your choosing. Sometimes these programs will match a donation up to a year after it was originally made! Check with your employer—if they have a matching gift program, they will provide you with instructions.
End of Year Giving
November, December, and January are big giving months each year. Donors top up their annual giving in November and December. January is a new fiscal year, and some donors start their giving for the next fiscal year early. Some donors even give at the end of the year and again in January since these donations fall into different fiscal years.
Donors tend to make their large year-end donation decisions before the holidays start. In 2024, that means before December 20. TFC can accept donations by wire, ACH, and Zelle until 5:00pm Eastern Time on December 31. Online donations by credit or debit card can be made until 11:59pm Pacific Time on December 31.