This video is so inspirational and moving...I was absolutely moved to tears. We have no excuse for not seeking out, taking hold of and being who we're meant to be. THAT is our birthright!
Michael Mitchell (the kayaker): "The draw to the water is a birthright. You can transcend that actual place where you're able to dance, to be fluid, to be able to be so in the moment, to be natural, to be your God-given self so to speak. To be what you're meant to be."
Commentary by the director, Sean Mullens
Birthright is the"Grand Prize Winner" of the Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films:
Birthright is a film about the struggle and inspired triumph of the human spirit. At age seventeen, Michael Mitchell became a quadriplegic as a result of a surfing accident. This film documents Michael’s daily journey from wheelchair to water’s edge, where surfing a hybrid surf kayak enables him to transcend his physical limitations and to be his most natural self.
Yet this film is more that a documentary of Michael’s struggles and achievements. It speaks directly to us, the viewer, and asks us to remember why we love the ocean and it’s environment and how being on the water makes us feel. Birthright will grab your emotions through some very powerful cinematography and not let them go until the final cut.
The music starts out with synth-sounding cricket heartbeat (my description)...but it grows and expands like a beautiful sunrise over the water. Music: "Broken Arrow" from the CD Into the Blue Again by The Album Leaf.
Michael Mitchell (the kayaker): "The draw to the water is a birthright. You can transcend that actual place where you're able to dance, to be fluid, to be able to be so in the moment, to be natural, to be your God-given self so to speak. To be what you're meant to be."
Commentary by the director, Sean Mullens
Birthright is the"Grand Prize Winner" of the Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films:
Birthright is a film about the struggle and inspired triumph of the human spirit. At age seventeen, Michael Mitchell became a quadriplegic as a result of a surfing accident. This film documents Michael’s daily journey from wheelchair to water’s edge, where surfing a hybrid surf kayak enables him to transcend his physical limitations and to be his most natural self.
Yet this film is more that a documentary of Michael’s struggles and achievements. It speaks directly to us, the viewer, and asks us to remember why we love the ocean and it’s environment and how being on the water makes us feel. Birthright will grab your emotions through some very powerful cinematography and not let them go until the final cut.
The music starts out with synth-sounding cricket heartbeat (my description)...but it grows and expands like a beautiful sunrise over the water. Music: "Broken Arrow" from the CD Into the Blue Again by The Album Leaf.
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2 comments:
wow, powerfull film! gave me goosebumps.
Absolutely fantastic. I knew Michael as a kid-- our dads sailed against each other, and our moms are still friends. Of course he is one with the ocean. Inspiring. Please say hello to Michael when you see him.
Best, Lisa Blackaller Williams
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