Facing the Falls | Documentary Short Film | 2024

Facing the Falls is a short documentary directed by Celia Aniskovich that tells the story of international disability rights advocate and entrepreneur, Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan. Deep in the throes of an aggressive, fatal muscle-wasting disease and no longer able to walk unassisted, Cara ventures out on a daring, 12-day expedition through the Grand Canyon. Cara's journey to live an extraordinary life and shatter stigma against people living with disabilities unexpectedly becomes a deep dive into fear, trust and vulnerability. As the entire expedition team grapples with unanticipated dangers in a truly remote wilderness, they also come face to face with their individual demons, insecurities, and internal conflicts. Facing the Falls is a story of fear, adrenaline, ambition, determination, hubris, courage, and perseverance against the odds.

Production Company: Dial Tone Films
Director: Celia Aniskovich
Executive Producers: Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton Sam Pollard, Brenda Robinson, Julie Girardin-Boynton, Terry Boynton, Isaiah Boynton, Brianna Boynton Producers: Liz Yale March, Celia Aniskovich
Editor: Nick Lear, BFE
Directors of Photography: Justin Clifton, Cory Fraiman-Lott
Co-Producers: Wendy Eley-Jackson, John Masters
Composer: Anne Müller

#Documentary #DisabilityAwareness #ShortFilm

[chapin]

I vividly recall what it was like in August of 1997 beginning the hike into the canyon on the Kaibab Trail in pitch dark at 4:00am on our way to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon 5 hours later. Then 11 days rafting/Dory Boating to make the ride into and through Lava Falls.

Amazing respect for Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan's effort and purpose, and the team that helped her physically, emotionally and their spirit of Love.

[ShirleyArmer-fh]

Wow!! An amazing story of true resilience, perseverance, and determination 🙌👏👍 My hat is off to you beautiful lady, BLESSINGS 🥰❤️🙏

[SnakeOilRevolution]

A truly extraordinary documentary film. Packs so much action and adventure into it's tight running time. Well worth anyone's time - but especially those who have faced tremendous challenges and lived to laugh about them. Very lucky to have been able see this on the big screen.

[saletemanfrinato]

I wouldn't be able to do it and it is a shame, because I have no disability or any health condition. Congratulations Cara, you are amazing. Congratulations to the whole team,

[g_crvz]

Gracias a una mujer que es como una madre para mí y que tuvo la oportunidad de conocerte, llegué a conocer tu reto y concuerdo: 'El verdadero triunfo no siempre es el éxito visible, sino la perseverancia ante la adversidad'. No se trata de lo material que podemos conseguir, sino de lo que realmente importa: la resiliencia. Wendy también lucha día a día para superar sus adversidades, y quienes las rodean a ambas son un gran apoyo. Saludos desde Ecuador 🇪🇨, sigue demostrándote que puedes 💪🏻.

[etownsterguy]

Beautiful scenery but hard to watch knowing how helpless and terrified Ms Khan had to be. Keep kleenex handy...