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SYNOPSIS
Inspired by a true story of best friends (Dayne & Lance) who mysteriously lose touch, then reunite when Dayne discovers that Lance is dying of AIDS. A journey ensues as spiritual enlightenment unfolds through sea, sand and nature, embracing acceptance of the inevitable death of his best friend and the rising of consciousness. A Long Road to Tao will encourage audiences to reach a depth of becoming water, facing fears and accepting the flow of love as love.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
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TESTIMONIALS
“We are proud to honor this extraordinary film, a labor of love that has been decades in the making. The director’s unparalleled ability to capture and realize this visionary story shines brilliantly throughout every frame, showcasing his dedication and masterful storytelling skills. The film features outstanding performances by both main character actors, who bring real-life individuals to the screen with such authenticity and emotional depth that their portrayals transcend mere imitation. They embody their characters with a sincerity that breathes life into this important and moving narrative, avoiding any hint of caricature.”
-- Jacquelynn Wolfheart, Wolf Media Festival
“It truly calls upon the works and life of Jack Kerouac and even Steinbeck, imbuing the author’s journey with a literary quality not so different from the works of his own heroes.”
-- The Black List
“Long Road to Tao beautifully captures the spiritual journey through breathtaking cinematography and profound wisdom. Your direction transforms a simple pilgrimage into a meditative masterpiece about finding peace within life's endless path. Truly inspiring filmmaking.”
-- Dopamine Surf Morocco
“A beautifully shot and and important reminder to look deeper, go deeper and connect with people we love in this life. We never know the journey others have been on, we can never assume we can understand them fully. This sweet tale of two surfers who come to grips with death and illness, while getting reconnected to their souls, taoism and native American spirit. The locations shot are fantastic, the water scenes are some of my favorite moments and the white sands surfing moments. Thanks to the bold creators for this important film. Watch and share with others.”
-- Brick House Media
“Long Road to Tao is not merely a film about loss; it is a beautiful cinematic immersion into grief—as deep and wide as the ocean. It captures the most profound portrayal of sorrow ever expressed in film, but it does so with a breathtakingly poetic touch. The film’s deep narrative journey is mirrored by its stunning locations. The transition from amazing surf footage—to the high-desert landscapes of the Southwest is seamless. It is a moving journey of friendship and loss filled with courage and transformation. A must-see movie with transformative powers!”
-- Heather Troy
“Surfing, Taoism, spirituality all in one wonderful film about deep fellowship, empathy, and finding devotion while dealing with death. This film is beautifully shot with many panoramic scenes. The production values and acting are first rate. Highly recommended here.”
-- D.C.G.
“A feel good movie with life lessons sprinkled throughout. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the movie. It was reminiscent of Big Wednesday or Chasing Mavericks in the sense of how surfing was a major part of the character's lives. From teenagers through adulthood, their love of surfing was the common bond in their friendship and throughout their lives, even when the best friend dies of AIDS. A great story of lasting friendship, compassion, finding faith and spirituality.”
-- Amazon Prime Customer
“Healing the divide. This film strikes you in your heart. With all that we’re divided over politically, culturally & spiritually, this beautiful film shows that friendship, empathy, compassion & our common humanity can heal our divisions. Such an important & timely film for our world today.”
-- Laurie P
“This is a deeply personal and moving story between two best friends and how distances separated them, secrets were revealed, and love restored (that was never lost). We highly recommend this gorgeous cinematic drama. For those who love surfing, philosophy, gorgeous ocean scenes and stories of redemption, it honors the human spirit. You will find this an authentic story compelling and dear. It's a glimpse into the early aids epidemic, and how love and trust are held in deepest regard.”
-- SuZQ
“A Wonderful Film of Introspection! This is an excellent film! If you are thinking about re-prioritizing your life, this film is a great place to start. It gives you the beginnings of a road map to understand what's is really important to yourself and what it means to be a living breathing human being of the earth. When you are facing death, this is when you discover what you value the most. This film will make you understand and think about what is really important. Who knows, maybe this film will change your life forever!”
-- Mark Rebscher
“A beautiful film to watch. Such an inspiring movie to watch about what true friendship is and means. So many beautiful areas they filmed this at. I was truly touched to watch a movie about the meaning of life and death and what is important and seeking these questions can only bring us closer to knowing ourselves and our true potential better. Illness can sometimes show us what is most important and who in our lives and I think the characters figure this out with their friendship. Thank you for sharing such a touching movie with the world. I recommend watching this !!!”
-- Lisa Gray
“Beautiful, emotional look at the early days of AIDS, very well done. My husband and I saw it in a theater and as soon as it came out on Amazon, I bought it. Definitely worth a second and third viewing.”
-- Gail Fail
“I’m not much of a moviegoer, but I’ve seen this movie four times along with the short trailers, when I see them online. Somehow it speaks to me, reminds me to stay grounded in my quiet mind, which allows me to learn subtle things about myself and others. I live more peacefully, even when things are in some disorder around me. And, the film is visually beautiful, both the desert where I now live and the beach and ocean scenes shot close to Santa Cruz, CA where I grew up. ”
-- Gretchen
“The story was beyond amazing. I couldn’t believe it was based on a true story. So beautiful. For an independent film the actors were so good! I started crying when the sister was crying. I won’t give anything away but I definitely did not expect it to turn out how it did! Love love!”
-- Sara M
“This brave film offers an authentic, compassionate and sensual journey on the adventure of self hood, and a life examined fully. Every frame captured personal Beauty, Wisdom, Love and more. This is an important groundbreaking film. Raw unself conscious emotion and spontaneous self reflection take the viewer on a wild ride of confronting the many taboos of society, intimacy, homosexuality, voluntary death with dignity and spiritual meaning. Please watch, share and talk about this film! The world needs this more than ever!”
-- James P Hyde
“The movie A Long Road to Tao is a moving and visually poetic meditation on love, loss, and spiritual awakening. Inspired by a true story about two best friends forced to confront the mortality of one of them, rather than dwelling on grief alone, the film’s weaves physical and spiritual landscapes into a unified experience offering a powerful exploration of acceptance, impermanence, and love.”
-- Cliente de Amazon
Alex Carig - Director
Co-Screenwriter
Alex's work includes thirty years in the feature film industry, broadcast radio and local television. Alex's life work encompasses his ambition to find socially relevant stories that entertain, educate, and enlighten, using visual mediums to bring greater awareness to compelling topics that challenge us on a personal level. Alex is the visionary who presented A Long Road to Tao to New Mexico State University, the first of its kind to incorporate 25 film production students in all aspects of development.
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As Featured on Feeling Creative - 2026