BALTIMORE -- Summary: BLIND COURAGE is a narrative feature film based on the inspirational true story of Bill Irwin, the first and only blind man to thru-hike the 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail without GPS or human assistance. The production team is seeking to raise the film’s estimated $300,000 budget through crowd funding.
BLIND COURAGE is a new film in development about inspirational hiker Bill Irwin, the first blind person to thru-hike the entire 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail without GPS or human assistance. The film will present the true story of Bill’s path from a being a troubled man suffering from severe eye disease with a reckless past to redemption, along with the help of his seeing eye dog, Orient.
“We are so blessed to have the opportunity to tell Bill’s story,” said Paula O’Neal, producer of BLIND COURAGE. “We just want to thank our partners for helping us accomplish this feat. Bill’s story has already touched countless lives and, by bringing it to the big screen, it is going to touch many more.”
The production team includes Clint Ross, a director with previous experience in the unique area of narrative dramatic documentaries. He previously directed The Angel of Marye's Heights, a dramatic documentary about Confederate Sgt. Richard Kirkland and his heroic efforts to aid his wounded opponents during the American Civil War.
The BLIND COURAGE team is currently raising the initial $300,000 needed for filming through crowd funding site IndieGoGo. Anyone who is interested in seeing this film made can make a contribution towards the budget and receive a “Thank You” perk in return. Perks range from $5 for a virtual fist bump up to $25,000 for a commercial product placement opportunity. There are perks available for every budget and the most popular include film DVD preorders, VIP Access to set, challenge coins, and even a perk that allows you to be cast as an extra in the film. Contributors can visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/blind-courage-the-movi... to see all the perks.
About BLIND COURAGE the film:
Blind Courage is a faith-based/adventure/biography about former alcoholic and social outcast, Bill Irwin, and his attempt to hike the 2100 mile Appalachian Trail despite the fact that he cannot see. Using his faith in God and the instincts of his guide dog, Bill Irwin, a blind man attempting to hike the entire Appalachian trail in a single hiking season, looks back on his life pulling from the lessons he learned while coping with the effects of his blindness to give him the courage he needs to make it to the finish line at Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
About the BLIND COURAGE production team:
BLIND COURAGE will be produced by Paula O’Neal and directed by Michael C. “Clint” Ross. Partners include The Seeing Eye, the oldest and most respected seeing eye dog school in the United States, as well as the National Federation for the Blind (Maryland Chapter), who is advising the production team from the blind community. BLIND COURAGE is scheduled to begin filming early Summer of 2015.
Contact
Paula O'Neal
