5Q's w/Christopher Miller "Race Across America: Push Beyond" Director

SATURDAY | BLOCK H | 1:00 |
Race Across America: Push Beyond (51 min) dir: Christopher Miller

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 280 characters?

Push Beyond is an enthralling documentary that tells the story of Marshall Nord, a 49-year-old father and amateur endurance athlete who wants to do something “epic” to mark his 50th birthday. “Epic” to him, it turns out, means attempting to cross the USA by bicycle in under 12 days.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

I would like the BSFF audience to know that this film is not a cycling film or say, your typical documentary about an endurance event. Rather it is very much a human story with great heart, amazing energy and a fascinating character attempting something awe-inspiring at it’s core.

#3: What is your movie making background?  Tell us about yourself.

I studied film at university in the UK, went on to produce and direct documentary shows and various content for TV and online for a number of years and have also made a few narrative short films that have gone to festivals as well.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

The biggest lesson I learned in making this film was actually from the drama of the race itself. It was that no matter how meticulously one plans a thing, as Marshall had done with his RAAM attempt, if humans are involved then anything can happen.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

We hope this film and amazing story will get to screen at festivals around the world and also raise awareness for the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry. The Food Pantry helps feed families across the USA and was Marshall’s chosen charitable cause for the race.