In what could be the a classic case of the poacher turned gamekeeper, BitTorrent, widely condemned by content owners as providing a key channel for illegal content downloads is to begin legal distribution of films over its network.

Specifically, Australian Viral Film “The Tunnel” will be the first Australian film release selected for BitTorrent’s Artist Spotlight program, promising worldwide distribution through the company’s two software products – BitTorrent Mainline and µTorrent. This, says BitTorrent, will make movie history, premiering on 100+ million screens.

By means of the new distribution method, the film is available free via BitTorrent’s App Studio, and users will be able to purchase frames, view trailers, read more about the film’s background and connect with the filmmakers on social media. BitTorrent will also promote the film on BitTorrent.com and µTorrent.com, as well as feature the film to new users who download either software product. “The Tunnel” will also be featured on Vodo.net, a UK-based company dedicated to helping independent filmmakers leverage the benefits of the global file sharing community.

“The buzz around this film is astonishing,” said Shahi Ghanem, chief strategist at BitTorrent. “These progressive Australian filmmakers have captured the public’s imagination by funding the project through an entirely new model: the sale of single frames.”

"We are really excited about our partnership with BitTorrent and their ongoing support of independent artists. The BitTorrent technology provides a direct connection to a massive audience all around the globe. It is definitely a new and exciting distribution path for independent filmmakers who have a story that they want people to see," added co-producers/writers Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey