Contribute to the Development and Production of "The Best Fruit" Independent Film

Watch the Sizzle Trailer

Director's Statement

An early visit to our family temple planted the seed for The Best Fruit. After seeing a western Hindu practitioner I began to ask, “What about Hinduism would inspire a Christian-raised person to adopt it?” It turns out, Hindu origin principles are becoming more widespread and practiced by the masses. Research shows that interest in practices like yoga and meditation have tripled in the last twenty years. (link)

It's no mystery that divisiveness in our culture and consciousness is at an all-time high and yet seventy percent of Americans feel it's their responsibility to connect with those that differ from them (link)

The Best Fruit will use the power of narrative drama to explore this rise of Hindu principles, and its potential to bridge gaps in understanding - through character, conflict, and transformation. It will also clear out many prevailing misconceptions of the faith—not with lectures, but through lived experience on screen. By dramatizing and personalizing the growth, the film will demonstrate how understanding begins not with theory but empathy.

Teju Prasad, Director, The Best Fruit

Project Goal & Status

Our goal is to begin production in mid 2026. Funds raised will be put toward project development and pre-production, including: casting, location scouting, rehearsals.

Current status:

25% of the total budget raised
Casting of lead roles.
Lead Producer attached, Javier Gonzalez (co-produced 2024 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, In The Summers

Synopsis

Winston Little is a man who believes his actions come from divine inspiration.

In his quest to establish a new spiritual center in his Midwestern hometown, he must find a way for not only his family and friends to embrace the need for this school but the discriminatory elements in community as well.

Many of the locals live in fear of the unknown, particularly his childhood friend Peter, who fears the school’s expansion for a personal reason: His son Dylan is Winston’s first disciple, a “patient zero” as he sees it. He does all he can to undermine the institution as it continues to gain followers. Dylan serves as Winston’s protégé on his path towards spiritual development and personal growth as he finally finds a “natural high” to rely on.

Winston’s wife Sarah has her doubts about the endeavor and is skeptical that the town as a whole will embrace it given the discriminatory elements around them. Winston continues to forge on and begins to draw more students in as word carries about the community.

It is not until Dylan’s near meeting with death that Winston realizes the learnings must organically come from the school itself and not through his forced direction, no matter how noble the intention. With the arrival of his Guru, Winston finally abandons his ambition for the greater good of honoring his mother Dorothy, and embraces the true diversity of thought the town has to offer.

Donate via Credit Card or eCheck

Details

Select your donation amount:

$100

$250

$500

$1,000

I will cover the fees to help my gift go even further.

Personal Info

Billing Address

First name *

Last name *

Additional Believer

Email *

Phone

Country *

Locale *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

Zip / Postal code *

Payment

Secure transaction provided by Stripe

CREDIT CARD

BANK

I will cover the fees to help my gift go even further.

Summary of your donation

Donation period	Total

annual

The Best Fruit Film FAQ

Is my donation tax deductible?

Depends on a few factors like if you received a reward in exchange for the donation and the value of your donation above that rewards cost, etc. You may contact the nonprofit you donated to directly to receive information on whether or not your donation is tax deductible. Nonetheless, the emailed receipts you will receive for your donation is the documentation you need to make it tax deductible.

Allyra FAQ

Is my donation and credit card info secure?

Yes, the security and confidentiality of your information is our highest priority. We will not sell, trade or share your personal information with anyone else, nor send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations, and we will only share personal information if you have given us specific permission to do so.

How do I know that my donation was made successfully?

You will receive an emailed receipt immediately after your donation is submitted and your credit card is processed. Your donation will also show up on your bank or card statement within 1-3 business days.

Do I get a receipt?

Yes, a receipt is sent to your email inbox once your donation is processed. Please be sure to keep a copy of your receipt for tax purposes. If you select a recurring donation, you will be sent an individual receipt each period when your donation is processed.

Is my donation private?

We will not share or sell a donor's personal information with anyone else, nor send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations.