Cris Winter (64) is eagerly awaiting the release of a documentary he has researched about Frederick Mitchell-Hedges, an English explorer who discovered a mystical skull, similar to that hunted by our maverick hero in the latest Indy adventure.

"The Enigma of Mitchell-Hedges and the Crystal Skull," produced by Olympia Films, is almost finished and due for worldwide release this summer.

It will be the latest in a line of current films and documentaries exploring the truth behind these spiritual carvings, following last month's hugely popular NBC production, 'Mystery of the Crystal Skulls,' and next week's Channel Five follow-up.

According to Mayan prophecies, the skull is key to unlocking the truth about future human survival.

Age-old rituals of studying sun spot cycles led many ancient civilisations, and, indeed, contemporary researchers like Cris to believe that the winter solstice of 2012 will bring great change to the earth, with possible cataclysmic consequences.

Legend predicts that, at this time, the Mitchell-Hedges skull will be brought together with 12 other skulls from around the world and, as in the current Indiana Jones film, reveal special holographic information about how to restore balance and continue our existence.

Cris put pen to paper after a dream catapaulted him into years of exploration and a series of serendipitous events led him to fellow enthusiast and co-researcher Jon Rolls.

"In 1989 I dreamt of a powerful crystal skull and it was so strange I felt compelled to do some research," he said.

"I got in contact with a few friends and things went from there.
"I gradually became terrified as I realised the dream was actually a reality."

Some years later he went to Canada to visit Anna Mitchell-Hedges, the explorer's adopted daughter and keeper of the artefact.

"I was amazed when she gave it to me to hold, it was an incredible life-changing moment," he said.

"How did an ancient civilisation manage to carve something so perfect without it shattering?"

Since then the former St Andrews restaurant owner has become impassioned with the prophecy of the skulls, trying to reason legend with reality, science with spirituality.

A self-confessed former materialist, Cris began to see his life in terms of crystals and how they affect everything in the world, from electronic circuitry in cars to the colours we see in nature.

"Engaging with Anna made my whole existence turn upsidedown, everything I ever believed in was destroyed and became totally unimportant."

He believes there may be some historical significance in the foretold pattern of the skulls once they come together, with the Mitchell-Hedges piece — widely regarded as the most powerful — encircled by 12 others, like the Apostles or Knights of the Round Table.

"As with all crystals, when the skulls interact, they will form a pattern," he explained.

"Our brains will be chemicalised by this and some will be able to discern, by intuition rather than intellect or conscience, how it translates into useful knowledge about our future."

Though Spielberg and Lucas have never admitted it, Cris is certain their latest portrayal of Jones — based more on fact than the other three films — is a carbon copy of Mitchell-Hedges and hopes his documentary will show this.

He also aims to further fuel curiosities aroused by the blockbuster and make people think about their existence.

In the longer term, he is anxious to find out whether the 2012 prophecy will come to pass.

He already feels that the skulls, some in museums, some more hidden, are gradually coming together by fate.

"We all have the opportunity to witness an amazing event in our universe, something that should bring greater understanding and a more co-operative rather than conflicting humanity," he said.

"Look at what's happening now with crime, falling markets, natural disasters and global warming.

"Where's this heading? If we understand the wider matrix of our existence, maybe we could do something about it."