Shoulder the Lion is a documentary film released in 2015 that follows the journey of three artists who have experienced life-changing tragedies. The film is directed by Patryk Rebisz and Erinnisse Rebisz, and features interviews with the artists themselves, as well as their friends and family. The three artists featured in the film are Graham Sharpe, Katherine Dolgy Ludwig, and Michael Nigro. Graham Sharpe is a photographer who lost his eyesight due to a rare genetic disorder. Katherine Dolgy Ludwig is a writer and musician who was left partially paralyzed after a car accident. And Michael Nigro is a dancer who lost his hearing after contracting a virus.
The film is structured around each artist's individual story, but also explores the themes of loss, resilience, and art as a means of healing. Throughout the film, the artists share their experiences of adapting to their new realities and finding ways to continue creating art despite their physical limitations.
One of the main themes of the film is the idea of "shouldering the lion," a metaphor for the artists' struggles and the burden they carry as a result of their tragedies. The filmmakers explore this metaphor through animated sequences that depict a lion following each artist around, representing their challenges and fears.
The film also delves into the artists' creative processes, showing how they use their art as a means of processing their emotions and making sense of their experiences. For Graham Sharpe, photography becomes a way to explore his former sighted world through a new lens. Katherine Dolgy Ludwig finds solace in writing about her experiences and sharing her music with others. And Michael Nigro uses dance to continue expressing himself despite his hearing loss.
In addition to the individual stories of the artists, the film also explores their relationships with those around them, including family members and loved ones who have supported them through their struggles. These interviews provide insight into the impact that these tragedies have had on the artists' personal lives, as well as the ways in which their loved ones have been affected.
Overall, Shoulder the Lion is a moving exploration of the human experience of loss and the power of art to transform and heal. The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and innovative animation sequences that bring the artists' struggles and triumphs to life on screen. The interviews with the artists themselves are honest and heartfelt, and offer a glimpse into their unique perspectives on life and art in the face of extraordinary challenges.
The film has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its powerful message of resilience and hope. It has been screened at film festivals around the world and has received numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Dallas International Film Festival.
In conclusion, Shoulder the Lion is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the transformative power of art and the human ability to overcome even the greatest of obstacles. It is a touching and inspiring film that reminds us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Shoulder The Lion is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.
