INDIA AND SHANGRI-LA

LA RUTA LLC is pleased to announce an extension of its worldwide distribution contract with Chile’s TVN network to include two new documentary series, “Shangri-la” and “India”, which will be available for worldwide distribution as early as 2011. These eight-hour series will be shot in HDTV, and will continue the La Ruta tradition of providing in-depth cultural and anthropological insights into diverse peoples and remote but significant places. The series explore the unknown looking for those hidden gems, which enlighten the learning experience and enhance entertainment.

“Shangri-La” follows the search to find perfection both spiritual and physical. Starting in the Philippines during Holy Week we witness men flagellating themselves and experience a real crucifixion. The deeply religious traditions are further highlighted as we also explore the wonders of the Yunnan province in China. We visit a Tibetan plateau and actually stay in the city of Shangri-la.

In Cambodia, we visit with ex-Khmer-Rouge, people devoted to eliminating the last vestiges of war—the land mines. There are many interesting twists to our adventure as we sail the mighty Mekong River, travel exotic Laos and end our journey traversing the Himalayas with a visit to the tiny Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal where we participate in the magical Tiji celebration in the king’s palace.

“India” delves into little known areas of the subcontinent, where our crew interacts with remote tribes that still live in a very distant past. For example, we visit the Agoris who use human flesh in their tantric ceremonies and travel with the desert gypsies in Rajasthan. We move from the massive Camel Fair in Pushcar to an Elephant Festival in Kerala, travel through the remote villages in Tamil Nadu and, finally, end in the biggest religious gathering in the world, the Khoum Mela.

These two HDTV series will be added to the seven currently finished and digitally mastered series— “The Sahara, Oceania, Amazon, The Orient, The Nile, Bering Sea and The Silk Road”. In total, there are currently 91 episodes of high quality television programming available in both English and Spanish languages. Other language options can be created. “The Many Faces of Buddha” and “Shangri-la” will bring the total amount of programming to 117 thirty-minute episodes.