The Portal

The Portal is an intriguing documentary style film from 2019. It’s a joint venture from first-time director, Jacqui Fifer, and bestselling author and meditation advocate, Tom Cronin. The film brings into focus the fundamental aspects of human existence as viewed through an experiential and theoretical lens, highlighting the essential factors that contribute to personal and universal change. The Portal seeks to ask: "What would happen if seven billion people meditated? Could it shift the trajectory of our planet?"

This immersive film revolves around six people who have faced and overcame varying degrees of psychological trauma in their lives. It aims to expose the audience to different perspectives on life, drawing on rich narratives from Ronnie Cahana, a quadriplegic patient who has practiced meditation for a long time, and Kitra Cahana, his care-giving and photographer daughter. Other featured individuals include James Doty, a neurosurgeon and founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, and Amandine Roche, a UN Human Rights advisor.

The Portal unveils the transformative power of the human mind and its capacity to reshape our perception and reaction to real-life circumstances. It delves into the heart-melting life stories of the featured characters, tracing their journey from pain, stress or extreme life events to a point of realising the influence of mindfulness and meditation. Their stories are a testament to the healing power of internal focus and connection to oneself and humanity at large.

As the film navigates its way through these captivating narratives, it utilises beautifully filmed sequences and soothing cinematics, interspersed with tranquil meditation sequences. Viewers are invited to enter 'The Portal' through these mesmerising meditative sequences, offering them a glimpse into the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation, inspired by the personal experiences of the featured narratives.

The underlying theme of The Portal is the impact of mindfulness on human consciousness at an individual and collective level. It explores how the power of meditation can not only be leveraged to heal oneself but also to bring about a paradigm shift in our collective consciousness. This innovative, thought-provoking documentary poses a significant question about humanity's potential for transformation in the face of adversity and trauma, urging us to consider the way forward and whether it lies within our reach.

The Portal not only entertains but also enlightens and educates. By exploring an array of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual ideas, it captivates audiences by offering a journey of personal growth and collective transformation. With its compelling storylines, gorgeous cinematography, and inspirational messages, the film moves beyond the traditional norms of documentary filmmaking.

The film presents a riveting visual study of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire and adapt itself—and provides an exploration of how cultivating inner peace can lead to global change. A fascinating blend of real-life instances and scientific facts form the backbone of the graphic discussion presented in the film. Pioneering scientists, researchers, yogis, and meditation teachers lend their insights throughout, deepening the intriguing exploration into the human mind and potential.

The key takeaway from The Portal is a different perspective on the challenges that life presents, encouraging the audience to shift their focus from the problem to the self, with their mind as the ultimate source of healing and transformation.

While the movie's tone is a gentle call to consciousness, it challenges societal norms and everyday attitudes, inviting everyone to unlock the depths of their mind and embrace a life of peace, love, understanding, and interconnectedness.

The Portal is visually stunning, thought-provoking, and informative— a masterpiece shedding new light on meditation and consciousness. A movie that not only provokes thought but offers a glimpse of what humanity could be if we embraced the power within. It serves as a guide paving the way to personal growth, with the possibility of collective evolution.