The Ataxian
| The Ataxian | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Zack Bennett, Kevin Schlanser |
| Written by | Zack Bennett, Kevin Schlanser |
| Starring | Kyle Bryant, Sean Baumstark, John Lockwood, Mike Mellott |
| Music by | Various artists |
Production company |
Redwood Creek Entertainment |
Running time | 74 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Ataxian is a documentary that tells the life story of Kyle Bryant, a sufferer of Friedreich’s ataxia.[1] The film held its world premiere at the Dances With Films Festival on June 6, 2015, where it won the Audience Award for Documentary Features.[2][3]
Synopsis
At age 17, Bryant was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), for which there is no medication, nor cure. The movie tells how Bryant lost the ability to play his favorite sports and walk. Bryant takes up cycling, biking long distances in a specially outfitted “trike.” When Bryant is finally relegated to a wheel chair, he enlists the help of three friends, Sean (who also has FA), John and Mike, and they embark on the “world’s toughest bike race,” the Race Across America (RAAM).[4] [5] In this feature-length documentary filmmakers and childhood friends, Kevin Schlanser and Zack Bennett, capture what is a grueling 9-day non-stop journey for anyone—much less someone with an energy-depriving affliction—that starts in Oceanside, CA, and ends in Annapolis, MD. The outcome inspires a movement, known as rideATAXIA.[6]
Soundtrack
The soundtrack features Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, Belle Brigade.[7][8]
Cast
- Kyle Bryant as Himself
- Sean Baumstark as Himself
- John Lockwood as Himself
- Mike Mellott as Himself
References
- ↑ Gruber, Xaque (2015-05-28). "L.A.'s Best Indie Film Festival, Dances With Films, Turns 18". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
- ↑ Hod, Itay (2015-05-07). "Clay Riley Hassler's 'Homeless' Wins Top Prize at Dances With Films Festival". The Wrap. Retrieved 2015-06-16.
- ↑ Bellamy, Will (2015-06-02). "UCD grad fights degenerative illness". The Davis Enterprise.
- ↑ "Devastating Diagnosis Pushes Local Man To Live Bigger". CBS Sacramento. 2015-05-30. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
- ↑ Cherry Tomilowitz, Samantha (2015-05-28). "Festival Preview: Dances With Films 2015 Sweeps Up a Storm in Hollywood". MovieMaker. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
- ↑ Schena, Susan (2015-05-14). "6th Annual rideATAXIA NorCal Cycling Fundraiser Rolls Into Davis May 30". Davis Patch.
- ↑ Ball, Bryan (2015-05-22). "The Ataxian Premiering Soon". Bent Rider.
- ↑ Hill, Chris (2015-05-23). "WORLD PREMIERE OF "THE ATAXIAN": DOC FEATURES BIKING ICON KYLE BRYANT'S LEGENDARY RIDE ACROSS AMERICA". Cinema Assassin.