“Indestructible”—an interview with the filmmakers behind the globe-spanning, life-affirming ALS doc” - By Ed M. Koziarski
http://www.reelchicago.com
Ben Byer was a 31-year-old actor and playwright in 2002 when he was diagnosed with the neuro-degenerative disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Nine months later, Byer began traveling the globe with a crew that includes DP Roko Belic (“Genghis Blues”), meeting other ALS patients, facing the psychic ramifications of the deadly illness, and exploring innovative treatments for the as-yet incurable disease.
Byer’s feature-length documentary “Indestructible” is now in post-production and slated for completion next year. Proceeds from a July 24 Rock Bottom Brewery fundraiser benefit Byer’s nonprofit production company ALS Film Fund, to raise finishing funds for the project.
ReelChicago spoke with Byer, his sister and producing partner Rebeccah Rush, and editor Tim Baron.
ReelChicago: How did the idea for “Indestructible” emerge?
Ben Byer: It grew out of an audio diary that I kept for about a year before I began shooting. I began to do audiotapes because my hands had been weakened by the disease and I have been a regular journal writer my whole life. I didn't really think that the diary would be of use when I began to shoot, but then it became sort of an obvious precursor to the film footage. It all evolved quite naturally.
RC: How has the focus of the film changed since you began working on it?
Byer: I initially wanted to make the movie as much about other people as possible, and felt the need to expand outward with the subject. This probably had something to do with my own denial about my health. Acknowledging that I am an ALS patient became one of the major elements of the story. Over the course of making the movie, I realized that my story was central to the film and had to be told.
Tim Baron: The movie started with Ben and a camera, driving himself around the country interviewing people with ALS. As he kept on working and more people got involved, the scope of the film just grew and grew. Ben ended up in the middle of some extraordinary situations that nobody could have predicted when he began to film. From my perspective, looking back through all the material, there's always been this idea of being on a journey, exploring the world of ALS, and I don't think that has changed at all.
RC: What do you hope to accomplish with the film?
Byer: To cure ALS.
Rebeccah Rush: We expect “Indestructible” to raise awareness, educate, entertain and inspire the world about ALS and help create a positive change for the future.
Baron: My hope is that we can also make a film that will be moving and meaningful for people that don't necessarily have a connection to ALS. It's not about how long a person has to live—it's about the possibilities life has to offer.
Byer: The movie can be presented in a way that is a departure from these types of films before. Just because you have a hugely serious topic doesn't mean that you should abandon all of the fun, creative and light aspects of filmmaking that will make it enjoyable to watch.
Rush: One of the unexpected elements of the film is that even though the subject matter is terminal disease, Ben is a really funny guy and there are aspects of this situation that have been remarkably entertaining.
RC: Where have you shot?
Rush: China, Hong Kong, Tibet, Greece, Argentina, Jamaica, Egypt, Israel, and all over the U.S. ALS is truly a global problem. There are people everywhere who have been impacted by this disease.
RC: How far along are you in the postproduction process?
Rush: We are about a quarter of the way done with editing and the film is scheduled to be completed in June 2006.
RC: What kind of exhibition and distribution are you aiming for?
Rush: We will initially release the film on the international festival circuit and are looking for a wide theatrical release. We will also make sure “Indestructible” is available to everyone through television, DVD, video and cable.
This is where the fundraising comes in—anyone who needs to see this film should be able to, regardless of physical limitations or finances. We have a strong web presence and grassroots network that has supported this film and it is growing exponentially. Word of mouth has been the life of “Indestructible” and is an extremely powerful tool for us.
Byer: When I see the huge amount of steam behind this project, coming in from many different segments of the population, I realize that we have crossover appeal and should be able to enter into the mainstream marketplace.
RC: Tell me about your fundraising strategy?
Rush: We are an extremely resourceful and grassroots organization and we have accomplished a huge amount on a very limited budget. The more money we raise, the more people we can reach worldwide. All of our funding has come from individuals and businesses and this method has worked for us because there are literally millions of people who want to see ALS changed for the better. Our sponsors see that the film can have a positive impact. Our donors don't just give money – they are having a tangible impact on this monumental problem. We consider our donors to be as integral to the filmmaking process as the director, editor or producer.
RC: What can people expect from the fundraiser?
Byer: Party, party, party.
RR: It will be a big party.
Byer: Lots of acid
Baron: It'll be a big party. People will have a lot of fun.
Rush: Seriously—I have been accused of being the serious one—we are also giving people an opportunity to get involved and have a positive impact on a very difficult situation. There will be a fantastic auction and raffle, great stuff for people to spend their money on. Somebody will win a one-week vacation in Steamboat, Colorado. Food and drink, and live music by the Cook County Jazz Commission.
Byer: Our goal is to raise $50,000...and we're going to party.
The “Indestructible” Finish the Film Fundraiser is Sunday, July 24, 2005 6-10 p.m. at Rock Bottom Brewery, 1 W. Grand Ave. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Call 312/752-0133, email alsfilm@comcast.net or see www.indestructiblefilm.com.
