Unveiling the Shadows: The Untold Stories of Women in "Twisted Yoga
Discover the unsettling stories of young women who have bravely come forward to share their experiences with a multinational tantric yoga organization led by a Romanian guru in the upcoming Apple TV docuseries "Twisted Yoga." Directed by Rowan Deacon, the three-part investigative series sheds light on the journey of these women who found themselves entangled in the influence of Gregorian Bivolaru, the founder of the Movement for the Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, now known as the Atman Yoga Federation. Bivolaru, facing charges in France, including human trafficking and rape, has denied the allegations, while the women featured in the documentary are working with French authorities to seek justice.
The Atman federation has distanced itself from the personal lives of its members, stating that ongoing allegations are under investigation and remain unproven. Despite attempts to contact Bivolaru through legal representatives, he did not respond to the producers of "Twisted Yoga." The docuseries, produced by Lightbox in association with Ladywell Films, aims to present the material from a psychological perspective rather than sensationalize it, as explained by director Rowan Deacon and executive producer Suzanne Lavery.
Driven by the stories of contributors Ash and Ziggy, the project sought to bring their experiences to a wider audience, highlighting the relatable themes of community, hope, and belonging. The narrative approach of the series focuses on understanding the psychological journey of the women involved in the organization, aiming to delve into their experiences without sensationalizing the sexual aspects of the story. By exploring the mechanics and ideologies that led these individuals into the organization, the docuseries aims to provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the slow process of indoctrination.
Through the lens of "Twisted Yoga," viewers are invited to embark on a journey alongside the women featured in the series, witnessing the hope, manipulation, and exploitation they encountered within the tantric yoga cult. The unique aspect of female followers transitioning into digital porn workers adds a disturbing layer to the exploitation depicted in the documentary. While Bivolaru's custody may have halted certain activities, questions remain about the continuation of such practices, particularly in the realm of webcam operations. The docuseries premieres on March 13 on Apple TV, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities surrounding spiritual manipulation and exploitation.