BridgeThink.org is a new media resource connecting filmmakers, artists and business across creative communities. With a focus on interdisciplinary projects that bridge traditional boundaries, we host global dialogues, provide forums to post resources and publish a monthly newsletter. At the root of our thinking is the crazy idea that when more people connect, the more they accomplish. So, if you have something shaking in your hometown, let us know! All it takes is two people to connect for an idea to ignite.

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Filmmaker Daniel Tonitto is quite familiar with bridging divides. This graduate in film from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York recently shot a film called JOY SQUARE, where he traveled to 24 countries in Europe with his 16 mm camera surprising strangers on the streets with only one question: "Could you tell me a joke?"  Although in most countries he had to have an interpreter, Daniel says with enthusiasm and passion that the communication between he and the person happened through their mutual smiles. "People became more friendly because of the joke. In human aspects, it was beautiful because this non-verbal communication eliminated all cultural barriers. A smile is universal, we understand that."

Tonitto has lived in England and the US but primarily grew up between Venezuela and Italy where his family is from. He says that it's very hard to see himself as completely Venezuelan or Italian. He prefers defining himself as an "eternal tourist". For him nationality is a reductive concept because every place where we've lived makes us who we are. "Identity goes beyond borders and passports...", he says.

The idea for JOY SQUARE came from a desire to know Europe not on a tour but through its people's humor. As he was told in France: "Humor is something very serious. Through humor you can find big truths and unveil the people and the moment lived by a country." The filmmaker didn't have many resources and decided to shoot 10 minutes in each city with people speaking in their own "beautiful languages". "This experience was very enriching for me to see Europe closer and be able to show something more than London and Paris, which is usually what Hollywood films tend to show."

To watch a teaser of JOY SQUARE and other works by Daniel Tonitto, visit:

Interview with Adrian Belew. This experimental guitarist, member of the prog rock group King Crimson and former guitarist for Frank Zappa, David Bowie & The Talking Heads will present new forms of sound creation alongside his paintings for two June performances in New England. And we're pleased to announce that next month we'll feature an interview with exclusive content for BridgeThink focusing on new techniques he's using at these two shows. Techniques include his work with the recently developed Tenori-On - an electronic and visual instrument first presented at SIGGRAPH 2005. As an active artist, we'll also ask him about his paintings which will be onstage as part of both events. Belew's experimental guitar work breaks the norm for music lovers and has influenced filmmakers and artists alike. Look for this interview which is sure to bridge disciplines coming in next month's issue.