Canadian prodco Sphere Media (Sort Of) has secured the rights to adapt the book Monkey on a Stick: Murder, Madness and the Hare Krishnas, into a feature documentary.

Authored by investigative journalists John Hubner and Lindsey Gruson, it exposes a Hare Krishna sect’s dark underbelly, from dealing drugs to child abuse and murder.

Scheduled to premiere on Canadian network Hollywood Suite, the doc is being made with investment from Telefilm Canada’s Theatrical Documentary Program and assistance from the Roger’s Documentary Fund.

Abacus Media Rights is handling international distribution.

Marlo Miazga, president of unscripted and documentaries at Sphere Media, said: “The pioneering and immersive journalism at the heart of the story puts it way ahead of its time and represents a totally fresh take for a modern-day true crime story.

“We know the result will be one that will fascinate audiences around the world.”