Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Originally, I was not even thinking about making the film of my hike. While talking with a friend one day during my training for the hike, it became apparent that making a film of my adventure would be a great tool to encourage and empower others to get out of their comfort zones and see that anything is possible regardless of one's limitations, fears or obstacles they may encounter.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The idea as noted in 1. above was in July 2018 and the film was completed in January 2021.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Hope, Empowering

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Obtaining resources for the film resulted in adding an extra year to the film production.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

My initial reactions were of excitement to hear others provide predominantly positive feedback in an open, honest and sincere manner.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

As a blind person, I never considered that making films was even an option. I now know that it is not only an option,but a viable means of furthering my passion as an advocate for the blind and disability communities.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

It's a Wonderful Life

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Create categories for people with disabilities

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I was really happy to see that the FilmFreeway platform was accessible to blind users and allowed me to navigate and use the site without sighted assistance.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am planning an adventure to hike across the Grand Canyon and make a film of that adventure.

ONE STEP AT A TIME, 38min,. USA
Directed by Michael McCulloch
Michael McCulloch, a retired NASA engineer, would like to bring you along on an incredible journey – the 4-day trek along the Classic Inca Trail to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, Peru. It is a little over 26 miles and scales two nearly 14,000-foot mountain passes. The appeal of this particular trek is the stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. The trail goes over high passes with unforgettable views, through cloud forests, and finally into subtropical vegetation.

https://youtu.be/_043vAPMSVI