WINNER Announcement for our Callanish AVR deluxe bundle - Art Book, Film and Soundtrack Album on Vinyl

Submitted by Andy B on Thursday, 01 January 2026 Page Views: 2316

The competition is now over, thanks very much if you entered. Our winner is Richard G from Perthshire who will be getting a vinyl record of the soundtrack, and the art book and film to watch. We had an amazing response, one of our best ever. The question was: What is the Gaelic name for Callanish? The answer is of course Calanais, steering clear of the controversy from some as to whether that is an 'authentic' name or not! Here's a recap: Filmmaker Julian Hand and musician Demian Castellanos have announced the release of their collaborative project, Callanish Audio Visual Research.

It has truly been a labour of love, and to mark the project’s release we were delighted to help the launch by giving away two copies of the book and soundtrack album, along with an exclusive link to watch the film. One right here on the Portal and one on Instagram.

The question was What is the Gaelic name for Callanish? - answer - Calanais.

Closing date for the Portal competition was the 30th December 2025 (22nd Dec for Instagram) so hard luck if you missed it. Winners needed a UK address to send the prizes to. (could be a friend etc)

You could also enter on Instagram here.
The lucky winner received:
• Callanish A.V.R. Art book (optionally signed and dedicated) - worth £49.99
• Callanish A.V.R. Soundtrack album in your chosen format, Vinyl, CD or digital download
• Exclusive link to view the Callanish A.V.R. film which is at the heart of the project and has been shown at cinemas and festivals nationally.

Find out more about the project at http://www.julianhand.net/callanish-a-v-r and keep up to date via their Instagram.
You can also listen to the wonderful and deeply strange soundtrack on Bandcamp.
If you don't want to wait you can order a copy of the book from Lulu.

Book Preview

The Callanish Audio Visual Research (A.V.R) project is an immersive odyssey into the enigmatic realms of the largest stone circle complex in the Northern Hemisphere. Created by filmmaker Julian Hand and musician Demian Castellanos, this multi-faceted exploration takes shape as a short film, soundtrack, and book. Together, these elements encapsulate the otherworldly essence of the Isle of Lewis and the profound presence of its ancient monoliths.

The heart of the project lies in the ambitious fusion of audio and visual elements, each working harmoniously to evoke the mystique and magic of Lewis. Inspired by the folklore that weaves through the history of this Scottish isle, the project aims to capture the subtle shifts in perception experienced while communing with the stones at different hours of the day. Through an intricate blend of film, music, and written narrative, the audience is invited to traverse the landscape and time forgotten, connecting with the ancient monoliths in a journey that transcends the ordinary.

Structured in seven phases, the project mirrors rites of passage—separation, transition, and incorporation. As one embarks on this journey, they are drawn into a ritual space, each step unfolding like chapters in an ancient story. The project explores liminal spaces where past and present converge in ethereal resonance.

At the helm are Julian Hand, a seasoned filmmaker, and Demian Castellanos, a multi-instrumentalist known for his work with The Oscillation. As longtime collaborators, their work infers allusion to: realms forgotten, places distant and abandoned, out-lands in which to stray beyond the perimeter of the mind. Their creative spark was ignited by The Modern Antiquarian by Julian Cope, whose writings and imagery revealed parallels between the site and their artistic vision.

The journey begins with Hand and Castellanos stocking up on 8mm film, strapping a guitar to their backs, and booking passage to the Isle of Lewis. The landscape itself, as well as the ancient stones, becomes both muse and canvas for their artistic expression. Their odyssey mirrors that of the ancient seekers, echoing the spirit of exploration and the quest for connection with the mysteries of the past.

Callanish A.V.R. invites you on a filmic journey to the Outer Hebrides. Witness the Standing Stones of Callanish, an ancient temple bridging earth and sky. Through Hand’s lens and Castellanos’ ethereal soundscapes, this project is an invitation to transcend the present and embark on a timeless voyage into an ancient mystery.

Vinyl Record