Diagnosed at birth with a rare condition that was expected to kill him, Chad "Shorty" McDaniel embraces humor, grit, and a competitive spirit to live the life others said he would never have and shatter assumptions about disability.
Social & External
The people behind it
Chad McDaniel
Self
Joe Tucker
Loren Goldfarb
Josephine Miller
Rich Johnson
Jensie Magee
Laura Tosi, M.D.
Pamela Stockbridge
Lynn Stockbridge
Allison McDaniel
On June 21st, 2025, a film crew was sent to a competition in Wellington to document the niche sport and community of speedcubing. James Macdiarmid attempts to solve over 40 Rubik's cubes in a row blindfolded.
A sound system plays Commander Ernesto Guevara's speech, delivered on October 20, 1962, during the Second Anniversary of the Young Communist League, along with a series of archival images of the revolutionary leader visiting factories and meeting with workers.
I'll Push You is about two lifelong friends, one quadriplegic, who embark on the pilgrimage of the Santiago de Compostela. It's a documentary about friendship and the grittiness of love and sacrifice.
In a vortex of images, words, and songs, a film-essay is assembled to try to understand the longings, frustrations, and fear of not being noticed when art is the only possible path.
Kekaiulu Hula Studio follows the Proclaimed Hula Halau of the same name, showcasing their twist on what the real reason for hula is and what life as a dancer in the halau is really like. Something previously unseen in the public eye.
Documentary from Kiwi filmmaker Florian Habicht on the most successful haunted attraction in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland’s Spookers.
The story of 95-year-old Aboriginal elder Laurie Baymarrwangga and her work to maintain the language and cultural traditions of the Yan-nhangu people of Murrungga.
A full-length documentary that explores the legendary journey of NBA icon Larry Bird, from humble beginnings in rural Indiana to one of the game's most recognizable stars.
Award-winning documentary Resilience & Sacrifice follows an emerging musician from Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom who shelved his dreams to raise his family. Years later, he returns to the stage, facing the music industry and a medical crisis that nearly ends his career. A story of grit and passion.
Cat experts dive into the mind of the feline to reveal the true capabilities of the pouncing pet in this captivating and cuddly documentary.
Boca de Tomatlán, a small fishing village on the coast of Puerto Vallarta, has transformed from a remote haven into a tourist magnet. With its growing popularity, the question arises: Can its infrastructure keep pace with this boom without losing its essence?
"The Boy Of The Fish" follows Noon, a young boy living in a Syrian refugee camp, who finds solace and a sense of freedom in a whale-shaped doll he names "Bahr." Set against the challenging realities of camp life, Noon’s journey is both a story of resilience and a testament to the boundless imagination of childhood. Through vivid symbolism and a unique soundscape, the film explores themes of loss, hope, and the longing for freedom amidst confinement. Shot entirely on an iPhone due to restrictions in the conflict zone, the film combines raw authenticity with poetic depth to capture the emotional landscape of a young soul navigating adversity.
At the age of eighty-two, Carrete wants to fulfil a dream before the end of his career as a dancer: to perform in a great theatre in New York. Despite his tireless enthusiasm, his health tells him that his days as a flamenco master are coming to an end. His art saved him from starvation and the cinemas sheltered him from the cold during the Spanish post-war period. And it was on the big screen that he met his admired Fred Astaire, who settled in his imagination as a fantasy to aspire to. And as he awaits his long-awaited American adventure, Carrete looks back on his past. Joaquín, one of his sons, who was a talented guitarist and whose hopes were dashed by prison, wants to play again. Father and son try to find each other again, while the mirage of the giant skyscrapers fades away, revealing the reality.
After a brush with death, Maya Gabeira makes history in the male-dominated world of big wave surfing.
This feature documentary traces the political career of T.C. (Tommy) Douglas, former premier of Saskatchewan and leader of the New Democratic Party, who was voted the Greatest Canadian in 2004 for his devotion to social causes, his charm and his powers of persuasion. Known as the "Father of Medicare," this one-time champion boxer and fiery preacher entered politics in the 1930s and never looked back.
The moral dimension of humanity's interaction with nonhuman animals and the industries that profit from their exploitation, as informed by world religions. A historical explanation of how the current global situation came to be.
Disconnected is a compelling documentary that delves into the psychological and social impacts of social media and video game consumption. Directed and edited by 16-year-old Irish filmmaker Sol Stuart, this thought-provoking film sheds light on the science behind digital addiction and its effects on mental health, productivity, and social relationships. Blending scientific research with personal perspectives, Stuart interviews fellow student Colm Prole, who shares his insights and opinions on the growing influence of technology in modern life. Through candid discussions and careful analysis, the documentary challenges viewers to reflect on their own digital habits and consider healthier approaches to technology use. Created as an entry for the 2024 Trócaire Right Focus Competition, Disconnected earned a well-deserved third place, showcasing Stuart’s talent as a rising filmmaker and his commitment to addressing urgent social issues.
Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Christopher Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care.
As Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the Harry Potter films, David Holmes' work has been seen worldwide by millions of people. Tragically an on-set accident ended what David calls "the best job in the world," leaving him paralyzed. Like the on-screen character he helped bring to life, David is determined to continue seeking adventure and living life to the fullest despite mounting obstacles.
A short kid from a Canadian army base becomes the international pop culture darling of the 1980s—only to find the course of his life altered by a stunning diagnosis. What happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease?
Nine filmmakers each profile a young girl from a different part of the world to weave a global tapestry of youth in the 21st century.
The remarkable coming-of-age story of Stephen Curry—one of the most influential, dynamic, and unexpected players in basketball history—and his rise from an undersized college player to a four-time NBA champion.
The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.
Elite athletes and insiders reflect on the Paralympic Games and examine how they impact a global understanding of disability, diversity and excellence.
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
In the Realms of the Unreal is a documentary about the reclusive Chicago-based artist Henry Darger. Henry Darger was so reclusive that when he died his neighbors were surprised to find a 15,145-page manuscript along with hundreds of paintings depicting The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glodeco-Angelinnian War Storm, Cased by the Child Slave Rebellion.
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
An IMAX 3D camera chronicles the effort of 7 astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
An astonishing journey revealing the awesome power of the natural world. Over the course of one single day, we track the sun from the highest mountains to the remotest islands to exotic jungles.
Ten of Muhammad Ali's former rivals pay tribute to the three-time world heavyweight champion.
This compelling Documentary moves beyond the spotlight and past the attention-grabbing headlines to give pop superstar Chris Brown a chance to tell his own story. New interviews with the international phenomenon reveal long-awaited answers about his passion for making music, his tumultuous and much publicized relationships, and the pitfalls of coming of age in the public eye. Also included is new concert footage, behind-the-scenes access, and special interviews from Usher, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Mike Tyson, Jamie Foxx and others.
Unravel the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, whose child abuse arrest with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.
A Hungarian girl dreams of conquering international men’s chess. After a 15-year battle against world champion Garry Kasparov and her domineering father, Judit Polgár revolutionizes the sport’s patriarchal culture to become one of the greatest chess prodigies in history and the greatest woman chess player of all time.
The Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee.