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Autism: One Man's Journey - Ski Segment
I recently saw some posts going around about mental health and skiing. Because of this, I wanted to share the ski segment from my award-winning documentary film that has been in 10 film festivals. For those of you that do not know, I have been filming skiing for many years. I was diagnosed as autistic at age 23 after struggling with severe depression, anxiety, and alcoholism for quite some time. I am going on 12 years sober, and I am very grateful for the decision I made for myself to get sober. I made it through some tough times with my severe depression and now live a fulfilling life with my girlfriend and a successful film career. I want to let you know that there is no need to feel ashamed of struggling with mental health, and whenever possible, please be open with others so that you do not internalize your struggles. The more we hide it, the harder it gets. If you need someone to talk to, please feel free to reach out. I am here for people that could use the support.
This segment shows me surrounded by my passion for filmmaking. I had people follow me around filming behind-the-scenes footage to capture me filming while combining the footage with my camera angles to the music. There were interviews with Lupe Hagearty, Parker Norvell, Cassidy "Queso" Dubois, and Jaron Stadler speaking about how filming skiing helps alleviate some of my autistic traits as well as my severe depression. During this segment, it also features the skiing of Taylor Seaton, John Spriggs, Keegan Kilbride, Trent Jones, Seamus Flanagan, and the people in the interviews. If it weren't for finding my passion in filmmaking I don't think I would be where I am today. A big thank you goes out to Woodward Copper, Shred Optics, and Tall T Productions for sponsoring my documentary.
