Filmmaker Statement

My approach to the film was first and foremost to support Joe and collaborate with him to tell his story. We used to skate together in Montreal back in 2005 and he has since become a legend in Canadian skateboarding. Joe had overcome tremendous obstacles to get where he is and I knew his story had the potential to touch very disparate audiences. My hope is that the film inspires others to overcome their own inner demons. I hope it helps to generate empathy and understanding for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues stemming from intergenerational trauma, particularly those from Indigenous communities, and to encourage people to learn more about the history of residential schools in both Canada and the US. Furthermore, I hope that the film helps raise Joe’s profile and further his own goals of pursuing a career as an actor and teaching skateboarding to Indigenous youth through his non-profit, Nations Skate Youth.