"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us
with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use."
- Galileo Galilei

Tired of car crashes, increasing violence, sexual
innuendos and distorted humanity depicted in film?

I know I am, and so are recognized film makers, producers and directors--those who see a much greater vision of cinema and what it can do in this world.

What the #$*! Do We Know!? is a unique metaphysical, pop-science film by William Arntz, Betsy Chasse, and Mark Vicente combining mediums of film, documentary, animation and visual effects exploring answers to these perennial  questions: “Who Are you? Where do you fit in? And, why do you do what you do?”

While it is not clearly disclosed, I learned from different sources that J. Z. Knight (Ramtha) is the inspiration for this new-form documentary, with Arntz, Chasse, and Vicente being Ramtha followers.  I knew some years back that actress Linda Evans was a part of, and promoted Ramtha. Now the Ramtha/J. Z. Knight folk bring together a group of scientists who support the philosophy of the channeled Ramtha phenomenon. I categorize this film a "paradigm-shifter," expanding our view of existence...a new blend.  The cinematography was outstanding, with hi-tech animation, and the music very electrifying and in sync with the visuals...a la The Matrix.  Whether or not this supports the Ramtha message didn't bother me. For me the jury is out on channeling and astrology. I simply go by the message. While Ramtha's message is ok, and while the tenacity of the whole Ramtha phenomena intrigues me, I am on sabbatical from cults. Oh, while there are no sexual innuendos, there is a sex scene, that may clap an "R" rating on this whole thing. Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin in the lead role, adds an air of further mystery to the production. They are also using some unique marketing techniques in promoting the film with tie-in instructional DVDs to follow..

After the phenomenal Mel Gibson blockbuster, The  Passion of the Christ , and the attraction to the Harry Potter's wizardry, and Lord of the Rings mysticism, a trend is clear. Hollywood producer, Stephen Simon published a penetrating book, The Force Is with You: Mystical Movie Messages that Inspire our Lives, in which he discusses this growing trend in cinema, which has been on a marked rise over the past several decades. It is Simon’s view that Hollywood has in fact developed a new genre in cinema, much to its own surprise. Stephen Simon recently directed his first feature film, Indigo His two films of distinction with overtones of spirituality are Somewhere in Time, and What Dreams May Come, starring Robin Williams.

Simon distinguishes spiritual entertainment from religious entertainment. While mainstream media suggests "religious" and "spiritual" are synonymous, Simon sees "religion" as reflecting teachings of a particular organized group that, most often, presents specific rules, regulations, and rituals that must be followed in order to experience a connection with the Divine. He points out that this is usually represented as a Supreme (male) Being outside of humanity. On the other hand, he defines "spirituality" as generally entailing a more personal, inner-directed, and individual experience of the Divine, represented as an integral aspect of our own humanity.

I am not sure if this is also the J. Z. Knight/Ramtha point of view, but it holds true for this film. Is this a cult film? Not really, although it is clear that the Ramtha philosophy is its essence.  I found the film entertaining, and the message "paradigm-shifting." It is not an ad for Ramtha, and no attempt is made to gain followers.

For more information go to:
What the #$*!, Moving Messages Media, Spiritual Cinema Circle, Ashland Film Festival, Ramtha Tie-in,
Christian Review , Ramtha's School of Enlightenment 


What the BLEEP filmmakers recently met with Stephen at Oregon's Ashland Film Festival where both his films were playing. All the filmmakers realized that the key was getting the films into theatres and into homes, where we can make an impact and do something about the world we live in.

Cinema, the art form of the Modern World, has only brushed the surface of the depth of information, material and revelations that lurk within the marvelous spiritual traditions and mysteries around the world. Its time for a change. Just as J. Z. Knight brings us this film, I look forward to similar films from other new paradigm thought groups and individuals. As with all points of view that may transform, be aware.
 

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