Tom Sands says he received a ‘disturbing’ video threat about satirical Bitcoin comedy

Director Tom Sands has claimed he received a “disturbing” video threat demanding he withdraw his satirical comedy about Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.

The film producer, 34, alleged that his film company received a sinister video threat from crypto-hackers who tried to stop production of the film and even threatened his wife.

Fictional satirical comedy film Decrypted features the kidnapping and torture of Bitcoin inventor Satoshi Nakamoto by US authorities who want to destroy cryptocurrencies.

Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonym used by the creator or creators of Bitcoin, but their real identity is not publicly known. American actor Akie Kotabe plays the supposed pseudonymous Bitcoin creator in Decrypted.

Director Tom said he was sent a deeply “disturbing” video message urging him to “bury” the film earlier in February, shortly before the comedy was due to be released in the US.

The video shows a masked person speaking in a voice-altering technology to hide their vocals as they demand the film be withdrawn.

They say: ‘You have crossed a thick red line with your so-called comedy about Satoshi Nakamoto. Don’t throw your life away – pull the film now.’

It wasn’t the first time Tom received threats about the film as he and lead actor Akie Kotabe, who plays Satoshi, received threatening messages last November when the film was released in the UK.

Speaking about the alleged video threat, Tom said he found it deeply disturbing because they threatened his wife and revealed they knew where he lived.

He said: “I would say the last video threat got under my skin because they knew personal details about me and they threatened my wife.”

After discussing the sinister threats with his team, Tom said they decided to go ahead anyway, saying there’s a “minority” of people in the crypto community who haven’t supported the comedy.

The independent filmmaker claimed that the group threatened to shut down production on Decrypted unless they told the story in a “very specific way”.

Tom said: ‘Most people we’ve spoken to from the crypto community have been supportive and really bought into what we’re trying to do here, but there’s a minority who have a problem with it for one reason or another.

“Receiving the video threat was definitely quite disturbing for everyone involved in making the film and especially for me.

That said, of course we discussed it, but decided to go ahead anyway. We are independent filmmakers and we were always going to tell the story we wanted to tell.

“This group threatened to shut down production unless we told the story in a very specific way, which is absolutely outrageous, especially as we were trying to make a film that supports this community.”

Substantial Films initially received a series of threatening and disturbing messages on social media and via the company’s website during the filming of the film.

American actor Akie said he was deeply concerned after receiving Instagram messages soon after it was announced he had been cast to play Bitcoin creator Satoshi.

He said: ‘I was shocked and surprised by the messages and it made me realize what strong opinions are out there regarding crypto.

“It was clearly a very worrying situation, but we discussed this between us and decided to make the film the way we wanted to make it.”

One of Akie’s messages reportedly read: “You better hope I like this damn movie. It is illegal for me to say what I will do to you all, but I think you understand exactly what I mean.’

Another message sent via the Substantial Films website said: ‘You do not have permission to create or use the likeness of Satoshi Nakamoto.

“We may be quiet, but we are by no means out of the picture and will do what it takes to protect our brand.”

The film, which was released on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, has been well received by the crypto community.

Decrypted tells the story of the failed kidnapping and interrogation of Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of blockchain and Bitcoin, by a team of NSA (National Security Agency) agents operating from a safe house in Kensington, West London.

In the film, the agents are desperate to break the blockchain’s cryptographic codes and sabotage the rise of Bitcoin.

The planned operation hilariously falls apart when the NSA agents, the MI5 agents watching them and a local resident are all laced with a truth drug that leads to some deep and funny discussions about race, gender and sexuality.

It sparks when respective prejudices collide and lead to an unexpected finale.

Decrypted is the fifth film from father-son team Mick Sands and Tom Sands, and producer Phil Harris. Their previous work includes Rupert, Rupert & Rupert, nominated for Best Comedy at the 2020 National Film Awards.

Writer Mick Sands said: “The idea that the US government is very interested in controlling, if not destroying, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies seemed like a new and exciting set-up for a movie.

“Since blockchain is essentially about honesty and transparency, I thought it would be fun to explore these themes through the characters.”

Tom Sands commented: ‘Mick and I discussed the story at an early stage. I wanted to strip it down and make it play out in a claustrophobic environment, where the place acted like a pressure cooker and everything supported the performances of the amazing cast we were working with.’

Phil Harris, producer/editor, added: “I really hope the crypto community gets behind this film because it champions cryptocurrency and promotes honesty and transparency.

“I have seen a budding blockchain revolution within the film industry, which I hope will help disrupt the current outdated, bloated and often dishonest status quo.

“I want us to be part of this new and transparent movement and will look to form partnerships with these new blockchain companies.”

The British feature film has been released on US digital platforms and is available to rent or own on-demand or stream for free on select A-vod platforms. All links to watch the film can be found at www.decryptedfilm.com.