The Ataxian


The Ataxian is a documentary that tells the life story of Kyle Bryant, a sufferer of Friedreich’s ataxia. The film held its world premiere at the Dances With Films Festival on June 6, 2015, where it won the Audience Award for Documentary Features.

Synopsis

At age 17, Bryant was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, for which there is no medication, nor cure. The movie tells how Bryant lost the ability to play his favorite sports and walk. Bryant takes up cycling, biking long distances in a specially outfitted “trike.” When Bryant is finally relegated to a wheel chair, he enlists the help of three friends, Sean, John and Mike, and they embark on the “world’s toughest bike race,” the Race Across America.
In this feature-length documentary filmmakers and childhood friends, Kevin Schlanser and Zack Bennett, capture what is a grueling 9-day non-stop journey for anyone—much less someone with an energy-depriving affliction—that starts in Oceanside, CA, and ends in Annapolis, MD. The outcome inspires a movement, known as rideATAXIA.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack features Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, Belle Brigade.

Cast