DesignWise Films and Video Production

Juan Carlos is writing… a book, his notes, a map all in a whirl of energy, like a tornado circling around a central core.

Puerto Rico Mystico, the working title of Juan’s book, consists of his historical research on the spiritually significant geographical spots of this island. He is mapping them and then observing the energy lines that connect them locally and globally.

Juan is not the first person to share with me a firm belief that Puerto Rico is the last remaining vestige of the lost continent of Atlantis. Skeptics may decide at this point, to stop reading and let their seeming scientific logic exercise its control. Atlantis is just a myth.

When I was just a boy my science teachers taught me that an atom was the smallest particle of matter in the universe. They worshipped that dogma, believing in it like Christians believe in the Bible. Then, things started to break down and continue to fracture, as we learn more and more about how little we really know. So, I accept the fact that we also know so very little of our own history as a species and of the planet as a living entity.

Of course there were greater civilizations that preceded our own. Simply pay closer attention to such things as the ancient pyramids of Egypt or the intricate modern-day crop circle phenomenon if you need persuasion. And if your fear of the unknown is so strong, then stop reading and by all means, do not visit Puerto Rico because this island is full of such enchantment.

I am here to trace those threads, to meet and interview people like Juan Carlos, to build a film that will serve as an introduction, a doorway to the spiritual dimensions of this magic island. Juan tells me about another myth, that of the Prophecy of the Condor and the Eagle, birds of the south and the north. Puerto Rico is the bridge he explains, one that will permit the condor and the eagle to fly together once again. How else but via a completely Hispanic, Caribbean culture that is also a part of the United States, one where most of the people are bilingual?

At the moment, I am sitting in a beach cafe in Puerto Rico, drinking a cup of fresh, island-grown, local coffee.

I have accepted a 2-week assignment to make films on tantra and the spiritual power-spots of the island. It is pretty cool… all expanses paid including meals, plane ticket and a San Juan beach hotel suite. Sometimes, the craving for a massive culture shift can become overwhelming. I silently wait without complaining and then suddenly it comes, like food for a starving (beach) bum.

I am here to film the work of tantra practitioner and healer, Peter Ross Voigt. We are living and working at Hosteria del Mar, located within the gated San Juan community of Oceanside Beach. It is an amazing building, created with intention. Quartz crystals were embedded and buried in the foundation and six pyramids are constructed into the roof.

We arrived on the day of the full moon and were invited to attend the monthly lunar drumming circle celebration on the beach. More than 150 people turned out for fire, ritual, drumming and dance. As the moon eventually broke through the cloud cover following hours of music and motion, many of the participants slipped away to swim to swim in the ocean as they entered the world.

The next day, I awoke early to get some location shots in the morning light. I found individuals dotting the beach, doing yoga asanas in the sand at the water’s edge. I must close for now as I have a day of filming to begin in 15 minutes. Puerto Rico is an undiscovered spiritual treasure and I intend to share it with you.

Namaste!

Anticipation builds as “The Tunnel” secures global distribution to BitTorrent’s 100+ million software users.

BitTorrent, Inc. a leading innovator creating advanced technologies to efficiently move large files across the Internet, announced today that “The Tunnel” will be the first Australian film release selected for BitTorrent’s Artist Spotlight program, promising worldwide distribution through the company’s two software products – BitTorrent Mainline and the iconic µTorrent.

“The buzz around this film is astonishing,” says Shahi Ghanem, chief strategist at BitTorrent. “These progressive Australian filmmakers have captured the public’s imagination by funding the project through an entirely new model: the sale of single frames. This affords them the freedom to allow the world to openly enjoy and share the film. We are very excited to be a part of this new chapter in history. We hear only a few frames are left for sale, so we encourage our users to act fast.”

“We are really excited about our partnership with BitTorrent and their ongoing support of independent artists. The BitTorrent technology provides a direct connection to a massive audience all around the globe. It is definitely a new and exciting distribution path for independent filmmakers who have a story that they want people to see,” says co-producers/writers Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey.

“The Tunnel” will debut on BitTorrent on May 18^th. People may download the film free via BitTorrent’s App Studio, purchase frames, view trailers, read more about the film’s background and connect with the filmmakers on social media. BitTorrent will also promote the film on BitTorrent.com and µTorrent.com, as well as feature the film to new users who download either software product. “The Tunnel” will also be featured on Vodo.net, a UK-based company dedicated to helping independent filmmakers leverage the benefits of the global file sharing community.

“To see movies such as ours welcomed into the BitTorrent ecosystem marks a significant step in the adoption of the technology as a legitimate film distribution platform. And whilst we might be the first Australian film, I have a feeling we certainly won’t be the last,” said executive producer and marketing director, Ahmed Salama of DLSHS.

“The Tunnel” has received significant attention from mainstream media around the world and was a hit at the A Night Of Horror Film Festival in March. It’s a classic horror film set amidst abandoned underground train tunnels beneath Sydney’s CBD. In 2008, chasing rumours of a government cover-up and urban legends surrounding the sudden backflip, investigative journalist Natasha Warner led a crew of four into the underground labyrinth.

They went down into the tunnels looking for a story – until the story found them.

“The Tunnel” chronicles their harrowing ordeal. With unprecedented access to the recently declassified tapes the crew shot in the claustrophobic subway tunnels, as well as a series of candid interviews with the survivors, viewers come face to face with the terrifying truth.

This never before seen footage takes viewers deep inside the tunnels bringing the darkness to life and capturing the raw fear that threatens to tear the crew apart, leaving each one of them fighting for their lives.

“The Tunnel” has already partnered with traditional Australian distributors – with a DVD release through Transmission Films and its world TV premiere on Showtime Premiere, May 18 at 10:35 pm.

About BitTorrent

BitTorrent creates advanced, innovative technologies to efficiently move large files across the Internet. The company’s two main products today include the original BitTorrent software and the tiny-but-mighty µTorrent, which combined boast over 100+ million users. BitTorrent is based in San Francisco, Calif. For more information, visit bittorrent.com, and follow on Twitter @bittorrent, or Facebook.