8th Wonder Films is a documentary production company seeking to create and distribute films advancing the knowledge and appreciation of widely contrasting cultures and places, as well as the environments which they embody.

Currently in pre-production, “The Beckoning Road” is a documentary aiming to capture the cultural, personal and environmental challenges of long haul Third-World travel. It will observe the growth and philosophical development experienced by real people as they set forth on a journey of discovery both throughout the earth and within. It is a glimpse at the true enormity of the world and stories about the simple search for a place within it. Not all those who wander are lost, and their stories can inspire an understanding that is truly universal.

In late 2006 a pair of friends, Amy Strang and Marisol Visali left Northern California for South America with the plan of slowly making their way North back to the U.S.. Our plan was to make a short film detailing their adventures, experiences and growth along the way. We would eventually meet up with the girls in early 2007 in Granada, Nicaragua and follow them North as their journey took them. The Amy & Marisol Short is an example of the type of personal story of wanderlust and adventure the Beckoning Road seeks to capture.

We receive correspondence from Amy & Marisol from time to time, and these emails and updates about their story can be found any time by clicking on the Amy & Marisol category link to the right.

The Filmmakers

Dan Mode
Producer / Director
dan@8thwonderfilms.com

Dan Mode grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and was bitten by the traveler’s bug in 1990 while traveling through the rugged frontiers of Alaska. While attending film school in Massachusetts, Dan spent several summers splitting time between backpacking in Europe and working for various non-profit documentary production companies. Throughout his travels in Europe and Central America, Dan became captivated by the different people and cultures he encountered. Dan’s love of travel and the documentary form led him to a job working for the Discovery Channel’s Discover Magazine television series in the late 90s. After leaving the Discovery Channel in 2001, Dan spent several years managing a pair of film/tv support houses in Boston and the Bay Area while pursuing his documentary love on the side. “The Beckoning Road” is Dan’s first foray into directing a feature length project.

N’Jeri Eaton
Producer
njeri@8thwonderfilms.com

N’Jeri Eaton received her B.A. in Media Arts Studies from Emerson College. Since graduating from Emerson, she has worked as a freelance editor and assistant for various production companies and nonprofit organizations. Her work includes films for PBS, California Newsreel and Albert Maysles. She currently works as a video instructor and producer for the Bay Area Video Coalition.