Stoneheart: An Undying Gift
Steve Hilfiker, a heart transplant survivor and father of four, describes his experience facing death, and how his perspective on life has forever changed following the fateful operation.
Interview with Editor, Director, Producer Nicholas Markart
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This film is very personal to me, as the subject of the documentary is my own uncle, Steve Hilfiker. My mission was to capture his experience facing death in a way that is emotionally immersive for the audience, as well as informative. His journey leading up to and following his heart transplant is a story that is both relatable and inspiring. Ultimately, we hope to raise awareness about Cardiac Sarcoidosis, find a method of early detection, and support organ donation.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
At some point, everyone has wondered to themselves what will happen after they die. This film offers insight not only into that curiosity, but also into what makes life so special to begin with.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
On a personal level, this film deals with Steve's role as a single father of four. As his health declined in the years leading up to his transplant, he had to accept the fact that he was running out of time with his family. On a universal note, we touch on the connection that he feels now toward his donor, who tragically passed away, and the duality between his miraculous recovery and the life that was lost. The main takeaway of this story is that life is beautiful, and that we should cherish every moment that we have with our loved ones.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film originally began as a promotional video for Steve's non-profit foundation, but as production began, we realized that this is a story worth telling on a grander scale. That's how this short documentary came to exist, and we are working now to expand even further in order to tell this story in a feature-length project. Additionally, Steve is drafting a novel based on his experiences for future release.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far, there have been tears shed at every screening we've had. It's amazing to see people so moved by this story and cause.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The biggest surprise has been the amount of follow-up questions that we receive after the screenings. Many people want to know more about the science behind sarcoidosis and the ways in which we can develop a method of early detection. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a treatable disease, but it often goes undiagnosed until things are too late. We plan on releasing follow-up content in the near future that goes into the fine details of the how the illness takes effect.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We would love to find opportunities for more exposure and screenings. Since this film is tied to a non-profit cause, spreading the word is our number one goal!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Festival directors and journalists would be great in helping us spread awareness. Thank you!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We hope to remind audiences to cherish the little things in life and to inspire them to help us in the fight against sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis appears in autopsies far too often, and our goal is to help turn that phenomenon into a thing of the past.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What can we learn from near-death experiences?
Would you like to add anything else?
I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to share this film. If there is anyone out there who would like to donate to the foundation, please use the following method:
Collaboratory.org/donate
(Enter FODASA on the ‘Donation Purpose’ line)
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
screenplays for an independent publishing company, as well as releasing an animated web-series in the first quarter of 2022.
Together, Nicholas Markart and Steve Hilfiker are working to expand Steve's life story into a narrative feature film. There is more to this story to tell, and they are seeking the platform to do so. Additionally, Steve is drafting a novel based on his experiences for future release.
Interview: December 2021
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Stoneheart: An Undying Gift
Length:
6:20
Writer/Director
NICHOLAS MARKART'S filmography lives somewhere between human rights activism and genre-bending absurdity. He is known for his short documentary, "Peacekeeper", which screened at Cannes International Film Festival, and his horror-comedy, "AV Club", which was featured in 7 Comic Cons across the United States. His education at the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts included formal training in all positions on a film set, but his focus lies in writing and directing. After graduating, NICHOLAS worked on Season 5 of "DC's Legends of Tomorrow", as well as many other film and music video productions.
Producer
STEVE HILFIKER is president of Environmental Risk Management, Inc. (ERMI), based in Fort Myers, Florida. MR. HILFIKER'S expertise is in site assessment, risk management, and environmental forensics. After surviving a heart transplant, STEVE founded The Daniel Foundation for Organ Donation and Sarcoidosis Awareness (FODASA) in order to raise awareness about the rare disease that nearly took his life and support organ donation accessibility.
Key cast:
Steve Hilfiker (Himself)
Looking for:
film festival directors, journalists
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DanielFoundationFODASA
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/danielfoundationfodasa
Hashtags used:
#Sarcoidosis #SarcoidosisAwareness #TransplantSurvivor #TransplantAwareness
More info: