PITCH TRAILER
1. A moment can shape a life. A life can reshape a moment.
2. The hardest fight to win, is the one you can't afford to lose.
LOGLINE
After his father’s suicide, Brendan spent a decade rebuilding himself and helping others. Now, as the past resurfaces, he must confront the legacy he carries, before it destroys the man he’s fighting to become.
After his father’s suicide, Brendan spent a decade rebuilding himself and helping others. Now, as the past resurfaces, he must confront the legacy he carries, before it destroys the man he’s fighting to become.
SYNOPSIS
Brendan’s father Herman died by suicide in 2007. Brendan, age 15, found him in the family shed. The suicide note was addressed only to him. The decade that followed saw Brendan leave home, become deeply involved in Muay Thai, travel internationally, create the mental-health brand Herman’s Hands, and build communities that helped thousands.
Filming began in 2017, capturing Brendan at a moment of rising purpose. In the years since, he has faced significant personal challenges — including physical injury, emotional collapse, crises and further loses that pushed him close to the brink. Now Brendan is trying to understand, integrate and finally author his own story.
Now the documentary will revisit who Brendan was then and who he is now, exploring masculinity, trauma, resilience, and the human need to create meaning from suffering. Now, he is moving steadily toward the moment he must finally confront the legacy he has carried since the day he walked into that shed, before it destroys the man he’s fighting to become.
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WORK IN PROGRESS FRAMES
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EXTRACTThe story of Brendan McDonnell's resilience in the face of his father's tragic suicide has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals. In 2018, I had the privilege of meeting Brendan's family and conducting an interview. Despite the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer's disease, Brendan's grandmother, Nanny Lynne, graciously shared her reflections. Though her memory faltered, she chose to recite the poignant poem she had composed for her son's funeral, moving everyone present at the family gathering.
PITCH TRAILER CREDITS
DIRECTOR + PRODUCER + CINEMATOGRAPHER - Edward Copestick
PRODUCER - Paul Leaning
CINEMATOGRAPHER - Boris Vymenets
SOUND RECORDIST - Martin Cox
EDITOR - Lucas Vasquez
MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN - Richard Baron
COLOURIST - Yanni Kronenberg
DIRECTOR + PRODUCER + CINEMATOGRAPHER - Edward Copestick
PRODUCER - Paul Leaning
CINEMATOGRAPHER - Boris Vymenets
SOUND RECORDIST - Martin Cox
EDITOR - Lucas Vasquez
MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN - Richard Baron
COLOURIST - Yanni Kronenberg
Special thanks to Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club.
EXTRACT CREDITS
Director + Producer + CAMERA - Edward Copestick
Cinematographer - Janyon Boshof
Producer - Paul Leaning
Editor - Sarah Peisley
Producer - Paul Leaning
Sound Design & Mix - James Martell
Colourist - Tim Wreyford
Director + Producer + CAMERA - Edward Copestick
Cinematographer - Janyon Boshof
Producer - Paul Leaning
Editor - Sarah Peisley
Producer - Paul Leaning
Sound Design & Mix - James Martell
Colourist - Tim Wreyford