The Ataxian

Zack Bennett, Kevin Schlanser have made a movie that has nailed what a documentary should be. This film allows Kyle Bryant to get his message out in such a thought provoking and informative way. Ken Burns has nothing on these guys. To steal a quote "The cinematography and unforgettable storytelling warms my heart", the music raised my spirit, the scenery took my breath away. I was truly inspired by the courage of Sean Baumstark , John Lockwood (one funny guy),and Mike Mellot you are my hero's. I will be on the next ride for FA. Now if Public Television had any conscience they would pick this documentary up in a heartbeat and help Kyle get his message to the masses.

The film follows several articulate and charming characters on a memorable quest, while teaching the audience about the devastating orphan disease, Friedrich's ataxia. While it is an extraordinarily emotional film, the story is told with compassion and humor. The lack of self pity is both inspiring and challenging, and the production takes the audience for an incredible ride. The fact that The Ataxian has won audience awards at several film festivals attests to the fact its message is one we can all relate to: The young people in the film dwell on what they have, not what has been lost; and they are trying to help others. The film does a great job of telling their story, and most in the audience seem to leave the theater uplifted, grateful, and teary-eyed.

I had the pleasure to see this in a private screening and loved it. I knew a little about Kyle and Friedrich's Ataxia going in, and came away with a lot more than knowledge. This is a genuine and totally inspirational film that I would see again. The tag line is everything "life is about how you react" - the stark reality of a progressive, degenerative rare disease is a backdrop for making the most of your life, for stepping into meaningful action, and for creating a hopeful future for yourself and for others - a lesson for every single one of us!

Thank you to Kyle and Sean and John and Mike and the race crew and the film crew and the folks at FARA for pouring yourself into this project.

This film should be out there in the world - Kyle is a change-agent and the film is a change agent.

I saw this movie in Athens, GA in a small cinema called Cine'. I went to the cinema not knowing what to expect. This movie was wonderful. I gives you an inside look at the life of people with a debilitating disease called Friedrich's Ataxia. The main character in the film suffers from this disease, but wanted to "make his mark" on the world and set out to assemble a team to attempt a daring bike ride. His goal is to raise awareness of this rare disease and to help raise funds for research. This movie made me laugh at times and I also cried. I felt a full range of emotions. Leaving the cinema, the film left me inspired and wanting to "make my mark" as well. This film is a must see. It is a 10 of 10.

Check out this movie, you won't be disappointed. It is the compelling story of people with a rare disease and their loved ones who bravely rode their cycles in the Race Across America (RAAM) to raise funds and awareness to fight that disease. It is beautifully shot with great music. The commentaries during the film are very moving. You meet people with Friedreich's ataxia (FA, the rare disease in question), their families, and their loved ones. One amazing aspect of this disease and the accomplishment of the riders - not only is FA disabling, which is readily apparent, but it causes extreme fatigue...these guys accomplished the RAAM on four hours a night of sleep. We come to see how they have not let FA define what is possible in their lives.