One Couch at a Time

We are entering a generation where ACCESSIBILITY is triumphing OWNERSHIP.

"One Couch at a Time" is a full length feature documentary following protagonist and veteran CouchSurfer, Alexandra Liss, through 20 countries, 5 subcontinents, for 6 months using CouchSurfing.org as an in-depth, extreme case study on the benefits leading us to "the age of sharing."

Imagine: If CouchSurfing is a planet, then the "sharing economy" would be the galaxy. We are focusing on the micro by capturing the magical, heart-warming, serendipitous exchanges that occur one couch at a time.

Each host and traveler along the way provide unique experiences becoming sub-subjects illustrating the incredible exchange. Alexandra, who begins the journey heartbroken from a failed relationship, ends up unexpectedly learning lessons of a lifetime with the help of a few worldly friends.

Contrary to mainstream opinion, by embracing the "age of sharing" mentality is to have access to methods which make the pursuit of your passions and dreams merely a couch a way. The film begins in SE Asia, then Southern Africa, Western Europe, South America and climaxes at Burningman, the ultimate gift society! OCAT premieres Feb 2012.

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I randomly write to Ramon Stoppelenburg, from the Netherlands to ask him to send me a Viral video… We get to chatting and apparently he’s the GODFATHER of couchsurfing. Cs was just in its infancy stages - a twinkle in CS founder, Casey Fenton’s eye - and he decides to create a website called “letmestayforaday.com” and ends up traveling for 2 years without spending a penny. The purpose was to show that humanity is generally generous and good… He lived to tell about it.

Now ten years later, he is living in a 4 bedroom in Cambodia and works 8 hours a week, returning the favor by hosting now. We talked about his take on love from a world citizen’s perspective… he is a character for sure.

We get to skyping and I ask him to be a subject in the film and/or my traveling mentor… I am honored to say he accepted.

Randomly Bill Bowles planned a trip to Cambodia with his family, so Ramon is going to host him, and Bill will do some pre-shooting :) Serendipitous!

I plan to end my Around the World Trip with him right before heading to Reno.