Inspirational: “Indestructible” Takes Home Top Doc Honors At Cinequest
By Aratee Martin
Being diagnosed with a disease that has no cure can be a terrifying experience. Imagine the fear felt by Ben Byer in September 2002 when diagnosed with such a disease – at the age of 31 – and told that death was less than five years away. Instead of falling into a depression and hiding at home, Chicagoan Byer directed "Indestructible," a documentary film about life.
"My personal story in the film, and that of every ALS patient, follows this frightening path into an uncertain future," says Byer on his website. "To show the broad and difficult landscape of medicine for ALS, or lack thereof, we have documented mainstream approaches, controversial stem cell surgeries, Chinese herbal treatments, vitamin supplements, vibrating beds, Yoga and almost anything that might stop the progression of this horrific killer."
Doctors and spiritual advisors were interviewed for the documentary, showing their similar mindsets as well as their different approaches toward understanding the disease. Byer also explored various bug cocktails and painful surgeries that are rumored to help people with ALS.
In doing so, Byer introduces viewers to a world that is in need of hope. With hope comes doubt and together, the two create conflict. "Indestructible" captures the struggle experienced by many ALS patients, families and friends who found some peace of mind in procedures that would most likely fail them.
"It's really not an ALS film, it's more of a film dealing with life – my life," says Byer, whose speech was translated by the film’s sound designer David Suycott. To accomplish this, Byer captured his family on camera, including some difficult moments. His relationship with his son involves sentimental moments as well as a few rebukes.
"Indestructible" is a movie about relationships and a love for life. Byer also went outside of his family, capturing other families and people who shared his love for life and had struggled with ALS. This approach sends a message to viewers about the importance of the present.
"It started very home-movie-ish," says Rebeccah Rush, Byer's sister as well as the film’s producer. "We were able to work at all hours of the day and night. We were not limited. It allowed us to be more productive."
Rush also mentions that it was difficult to find the money for this film, which was shot on Mini-DV. She mentions that, with the help of her brother, she was able to raise $200,000 worth of donations and funding from about 800 supporters. Creating the film wasn't easy, but Rush says the time flew by because of the opportunity she had to spend time with her brother.
The "Indestructible" team is currently working on obtaining rights for music to use in the film, which can get expensive. According to Rush, this process should be complete in two to three months. "I decided to take as much time as it takes to get this done," Byer adds. "It's rare to have that. You can focus on the art and not the business."
Byer’s artistic background includes 20 years as a playwright, as well as behind-the-scenes work on several feature films. Byer has also written a few short films and acted for over 10 years.
Despite his experience, creating this film became difficult when Byer became unable to type. He combated this setback by picking up his camera to show people what he wanted visually. "Making a movie is hard enough as it is," Byer says. "Try doing it when you're mute and paralyzed."
For the final cut, editor Tim Baron pared 450 hours of footage down to two. The additional footage is being saved in hoped of producing another movie or series related to ALS. Byer continues to overcome challenges on a daily basis, and plans to continue his work as a director. Rush says the team is getting ready to raise money for their next film.
"Ben is inspirational to [us] because he's looked this in the face and said 'I really need to grow from this,'" Rush says. "We hope people can apply that message to their own lives."
“Indestructible” was recently named Best Feature Documentary at the 17th annual Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, CA
