Waimea Ocean Film Festival - Breaking 60 | Challenging the Impossible
Breaking 60: Challenging the Impossible is a documentary about the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, a Fat Ass-style trail running event where there are no race fees, no prizes, no medals, no pats on the back for being super awesome. Just a bunch of slightly left field individuals trying to run all four of Hong Kong’s ultra trails ‐ totaling 298km ‐ non stop, unsupported and in less than 60 hours. Each year a small group of runners are hand selected and Breaking 60 explores the personal challenges facing 4 of them. Since its inception, no one has ever gone sub 60.
Interview with Producer Ben Lee
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks, we made this film because we believed it would be completely different and unique to your normal trail running video. Breaking 60 is a documentary about the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, a Fat Ass-style trail running event where there are no race fees, no prizes, no medals, no pats on the back for being super awesome. Just a bunch of slightly left field individuals trying to run all four of Hong Kong’s ultra trails ‐ totaling 298km ‐ non stop, unsupported and in less than 60 hours. Since its inception, no one has ever gone sub 60. Not only is the challenge insane, but the fact that it is based in Hong Kong makes it especially special. A city known for its high rise buildings and a population of 7.2 million people makes having amazing trails only 20 minutes away even more unique.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
If you have ever wondered about those extreme long distance challenges and asked yourself "who are these people and why would they want to do that" this is the film to watch. We believe the film is relatable to the every day person and not just elite runners due to the characters featured in the film. They are all non-professional athletes and have 9-5 jobs just like you and me.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Because the 4 runners in the film are all non-professional, everybody can relate to them. We dive into the personal motivations, hardships and struggles of all of these athletes and through them, it motivates us to take on big challenges, whatever they may be. Just because this film is about running, you will still be motivated in any path you take. The film is as much about the journey as it is about the finish.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
There wasn't really a script. The idea was tell the story of how 4 individuals take on the challenge in their own personal and unique ways, since they all come from completely different walks of life with different jobs and have different motivations. Once we started filming the story developed naturally as we discovered new things about the key runners and the challenge itself. The whole process was very organic from start to finish.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far all the feedback has been positive. A lot of people have said how mad the people are who attempt this challenge but we like to think of them as determined individuals. The film itself has had great feedback with invites to multiple film festivals and a lot of people wishing for more.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We expected the film to be received well in Hong Kong due to local interest, but we have been really surprised by the amount of global interest there has been. It has been great to showcase what Hong Kong has to offer to the rest of the world. Most people have no idea we have these world class trails
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
As I mentioned before, we have been really happy by the amount of international interest there has been. To showcase Hong Kong, the trails and the challenges we have to more people around the world is really rewarding, and we hope we are moving stories can help us reach even more people globally.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
The more people we have spreading the word about our film the better. We would love more articles, stories and promotions like this to be written so we can reach people that otherwise would never have known about us.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We want to inspire people that these kind of challenges are not just for the elite, but for anyone looking to push themselves. The characters featured in the film were chosen because they are relatable to the every day person. They have normal jobs, normal lives, but they just want to push themselves as individuals. We also really want people to see that Hong Kong is more than just a big city, but a place with amazing mountains and trails.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How much further can you push your body before it breaks ;) Has the limit been reached or can you go further or run faster?
Would you like to add anything else?
Get out there and find a new adventure!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Many projects, but these are secret for now so stayed tuned ;)
Interview: December 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Breaking 60 | Challenging the Impossible
Breaking 60: Challenging the Impossible is a documentary about the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, a Fat Ass-style trail running event where there are no race fees, no prizes, no medals, no pats on the back for being super awesome. Just a bunch of slightly left field individuals trying to run all four of Hong Kong’s ultra trails ‐ totaling 298km ‐ non stop, unsupported and in less than 60 hours. Each year a small group of runners are hand selected and Breaking 60 explores the personal challenges facing 4 of them. Since its inception, no one has ever gone sub 60.
Length: 45 Minutes
Director: Robin Lee
Producer: Ben Lee
Writer: Robin Lee
Key cast: Andre Blumburg, Stone Tsang, Jag Lanante, Scottie Callaghan, Brendan Lee & John Ellis
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breaking60/
Instagram: https://www.instagram/robintlee
Website: www.breaking-60.com
Funders: Robin Lee & Ben Lee (Self Funded)
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Will be showing at the Waiema Film Festival and is available on the following platforms:
itunes: http://geni.us/Breaking60
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/breaking60challenge