Eyes On The Horizon
Nashville, Tennessee | Film Feature
Adventure, Documentary
A photojournalist facing blindness sets out to capture the U.S. on 3 epic bike trips while confronting his demons & redefining his purpose.
Eyes On The Horizon
Nashville, Tennessee | Film Feature
Adventure, Documentary
1 Campaigns | Tennessee, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $16,650 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
58 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A photojournalist facing blindness sets out to capture the U.S. on 3 epic bike trips while confronting his demons & redefining his purpose.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
In EYES ON THE HORIZON, we follow the transformative odyssey of Mike Bowen, a man in his 30’s, who decides to leave behind the life he has built in Tennessee and embarks on a quest for true fulfillment as he grapples with the complexities of his own mental health and alcohol use, trading stability for the simplistic lifestyle of a van-dwelling photojournalist in Oregon.
Amidst his journey of healing, he faces an unexpected twist: a diagnosis of inherited eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, that will gradually steal his sight. He chooses to confront the challenges of his past, process the uncertainty of the future, and learn how to embrace the pursuit of happiness by completing three epic bike cross-country trips over three years.
Having finished his first trip of biking the TransAmerica Trail in 2024, this documentary follows as he completes his remaining trips despite the looming threat of blindness.
This phase of his journey falls against the stunning yet unforgiving backdrop of the Continental Divide, Mike embarks on a 2,700-mile bike ride spanning three countries and five states, pushing through physical and emotional barriers as his world grows dimmer. This isn't a story of chosen conquest—it’s about embracing an unchosen challenge with resilience, vulnerability, and radical authenticity. Beneath the physical adventure, the film explores deeper themes of mental health, identity, and the urgency of time—reminding us that fulfillment lies in bold action, not waiting.
As Mike confronts fear, self-doubt, and the ticking clock of his condition, EYES ON THE HORIZON becomes a universal call to stop postponing life and start living fully, no matter the unknowns ahead.
Through his vulnerability, Mike invites viewers to reflect: What does it truly mean to live? And what’s stopping me from chasing my own happiness?
EYES ON THE HORIZON is more than an adventure documentary—it’s a deeply human story about transformation in the face of the unknown. While many films capture extreme endurance or high-risk expeditions, Mike’s journey is different. He didn’t choose this challenge; it chose him. His story isn’t about conquering a mountain or breaking records—it’s about navigating an uncertain future with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms.
In a world where mental health struggles are often hidden, and conformity is the norm, Mike’s story is a rare, unfiltered look at what it means to reclaim your own narrative. His battle with self-doubt, fear, and personal demons resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their path.
EYES ON THE HORIZON challenges a universal truth: time is fleeting. Whether or not we face a diagnosis, we are all on a timeline. This film is a wake-up call—a reminder that waiting is a choice, and action is the only way forward.
Beyond personal transformation, Mike’s story offers a powerful reflection on how to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment amidst uncertainty—making this film not only timely, but timeless.
Against the backdrop of the Continental Divide, Mike prepares for his next epic journey in the summer of 2025—a 2,700-mile bike ride spanning three countries and five states over eight weeks. Our documentary will follow his ride along the Continental Divide, building on his achievement of completing the TransAmerica Trail. A third expedition is set for 2026, during which Mike will ride across the country again, taking the northern route from Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME.
Similar to his first trip, Mike will be covering 40-70 miles per day and spending most nights in his tent. However, this upcoming epic, which is more remote and off-road, will bring new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Every mile is a testament to his indomitable spirit—a ride where nature’s extremes meet the human will to push beyond limits and redefine what’s possible.
EYES ON THE HORIZON explores themes of resilience and self-reinvention, much like Free Solo and To Shake the Sleeping Self. While Free Solo focuses on Alex Honnold’s pursuit of extreme physical limits on El Capitan—where even the most disciplined preparation can only delay, not prevent, the forces of nature and time—To Shake the Sleeping Self follows Jedidiah Jenkins’ conscious decision to reinvent his life through a long-distance bike ride. In contrast, Mike Bowen’s journey along the Continental Divide is defined by an unchosen challenge, where his transformation is shaped not by a pursuit of reinvention, but by the inevitability of his condition and the resilience required to adapt to it.
STRETCH GOALS:
Our $34,200 goal is the absolute minimum we need to raise for the Continental Divide portion of production.
If we raise between $38,000 and $74,000, we can expand the number of times we meet Mike on the trail and complete interviews with Mike's friends, family, doctors, and other inspiring folks living with R.P who have not let the diagnosis keep them from pursuing their dreams. This may include a professional photographer, mountain biker, ballroom dancer, and storybook artist!
If we raise $75,000, this will cover additional production days & our post-production costs.
If we raise $100,00, this will cover all of the above, plus our distribution and marketing costs.
Any additional funds we raise will be used to expand the scope of production, post-production, and distribution costs. Anything helps!!
Examples of fund usage:
- Expanding the number of locations we can meet Mike on the trail, including the beginning, end, and the states in between!
- Additional crew, interviews, equipment, etc.
- Editing, sound design, color correction, custom soundtrack, etc.
- Marketing, film festival submissions, platform fees, Licensing, etc.
As of right now, we hope to screen EYES ON THE HORIZON at film festivals in 2026-2027, after which time we will release it to the public online. We have potential distribution opportunities and will update our followers as those get locked in! We will make it available for educational institutions who may be interested in featuring this inspiring documentary. Mike will be happy to speak at these institutions, as well.
This film is fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible!
TIMELINE:
We have completed the first phase of production on the TransAmerican Trail and are moving into the second phase of production for the Continental Divide in 2025. We plan on entering our third phase of production in 2026 for Mike's final epic trip. We will interview friends, family, and medical professionals in 2025 and 2026. Post-production will be an ongoing process starting in 2025, and we hope to have the film completed in late 2026, or early 2027.
PLEASE FOLLOW & SHARE:
https://seedandspark.com/eyes-on-the-horizon
@Eyesonthehorizondoc on Instagram and TikTok
Eyes On The Horizon on Facebook
THANK YOU!!
BOLO BROTHERS CREATIVE.
Bolo Brothers Creative is an award-winning, Nashville-based production company that thrives on telling real, human-centered narratives with depth, emotion, and visual excellence. When Bolo Brothers Creative started 13 years ago, founders Grant Carpenter and Jared Rauso were committed to more than just making videos; their mission was to craft immersive projects that engage both their team and their audience on a deeper level.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD.
Bolo has a proven track record of producing award-winning documentaries, including the feature documentary Shine Service, now streaming on Amazon. As storytellers and filmmakers, they believe in the power of documentaries to inspire change, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the diversity of the human experience. So when they met Percy, there was no doubt that Shine Service needed to be made.
A PERSONAL CONNECTION.
Jared went to college with Mike, and Becca, Bolo's producer, have been friends for over a decade and they have worked closely together. Their deep understanding of his journey - both his resilience and his struggles - makes Bolo uniquely positioned to tell his story with the integrity it deserves. The trust they've built over the years creates a natural dynamic, allowing for genuine vulnerability to emerge. Mike's journey is raw, unfiltered and deeply human - a story that needs to be shared with the world.
But this story isn't just something for the world to hear. It's also for Mike. By allowing Bolo to witness and document his journey, he's creating a space for himself to process in real-time. A visual journal. His bike ride isn't just a physical test, it's an external reflection of his internal processing in confronting his own reality, grappling with denial, mourning, and quiet moments of reckoning. While he may still be in the early stages of this journey, his experience will mirror the nonlinear nature of grief and growth.
By sharing this vulnerable and authentic chapter of his life, Mike isn't just letting the world in - he's also giving himself the space to fully live through it. In doing so, he fulfills his greatest passion: Discovering freedom through the pursuit of living life to the fullest.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Package & Audio
Costs $3,000
Help us rent the camera & audio equipment necessary to capture and execute this cinematic vision!
Travel
Costs $2,000
Mike may be traveling by bike, but the crew will need to travel by air and road to meet Mike on his trip!
Crew Is Everything
Costs $6,000
We would love to pay ALL our crew for their time, effort, and expertise.
Location, Location, Location
Costs $500
We will be filming at multiple locations, which will result in permits and location fees due.
Room + Board
Costs $1,500
When the crew heads out to film Mike on the trail, they need a place to stay because Mike's tent only sleeps one ;)
Food & Craft Services
Costs $1,200
Mike will have care packages full of food along the way, but Crew will need to eat too! Those packages are only for the man on the bike!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
IT TAKES FOUR TO FRAME A STORY
-- BECCA WOODS I PRODUCER --
Becca is a seasoned video producer with a decade of experience in outdoor guiding, venue production management, and video production. Whether navigating underground caverns, managing events backstage, scaling the Pyrenees Mountains, or working on set, Becca brings a driven, kind, and inquisitive spirit to every project. Her problem-solving attitude and diverse skill set ensures she is always ready to tackle new challenges and deliver exceptional results.
-- JARED RAUSO I DIRECTOR --
Jared is the Executive Producer and Buisness Development Lead at Bolo Brothers. With a rich background rooted in South Texas, Jared brings 38 years of life experience and a profound passion for storytelling to the forefront of every project. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in propelling Bolo Brothers Creative to new heights, making them a formidable force in the video production industry. Jared’s keen eye for detail and strategic vision are key drivers in the company’s success, positioning them as the go-to for high-quality and impactful video content
-- GRANT CARPENTER I DoP --
Grant is the Head of Operations at Bolo Brothers. He’s also the one behind the camera as the Director of Photography and handles all the editing magic behind the scenes too. He’s all about creating eye-catching visuals that really make an impact. He prides himself on being detail-oriented and efficient, which helps us get awesome results quickly. He’s all about bringing creativity and innovation to every project we wrangle.
-- MADALINA ZIMMERMAN I PRODUCER --
Madalina’s love for storytelling has always been rooted in her ability to envision the written word transformed into a cinematic experiences. As a producer, she is deeply committed to championing meaningful stories and ensuring they find their place on the big screen. Over the last decade, she has produced, directed, and written award-winning commercials, short films and documentaries, earning international recognition. In 2021, she made the transition to feature films and has since produced four features and a television series.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
In EYES ON THE HORIZON, we follow the transformative odyssey of Mike Bowen, a man in his 30’s, who decides to leave behind the life he has built in Tennessee and embarks on a quest for true fulfillment as he grapples with the complexities of his own mental health and alcohol use, trading stability for the simplistic lifestyle of a van-dwelling photojournalist in Oregon.
Amidst his journey of healing, he faces an unexpected twist: a diagnosis of inherited eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, that will gradually steal his sight. He chooses to confront the challenges of his past, process the uncertainty of the future, and learn how to embrace the pursuit of happiness by completing three epic bike cross-country trips over three years.
Having finished his first trip of biking the TransAmerica Trail in 2024, this documentary follows as he completes his remaining trips despite the looming threat of blindness.
This phase of his journey falls against the stunning yet unforgiving backdrop of the Continental Divide, Mike embarks on a 2,700-mile bike ride spanning three countries and five states, pushing through physical and emotional barriers as his world grows dimmer. This isn't a story of chosen conquest—it’s about embracing an unchosen challenge with resilience, vulnerability, and radical authenticity. Beneath the physical adventure, the film explores deeper themes of mental health, identity, and the urgency of time—reminding us that fulfillment lies in bold action, not waiting.
As Mike confronts fear, self-doubt, and the ticking clock of his condition, EYES ON THE HORIZON becomes a universal call to stop postponing life and start living fully, no matter the unknowns ahead.
Through his vulnerability, Mike invites viewers to reflect: What does it truly mean to live? And what’s stopping me from chasing my own happiness?
EYES ON THE HORIZON is more than an adventure documentary—it’s a deeply human story about transformation in the face of the unknown. While many films capture extreme endurance or high-risk expeditions, Mike’s journey is different. He didn’t choose this challenge; it chose him. His story isn’t about conquering a mountain or breaking records—it’s about navigating an uncertain future with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms.
In a world where mental health struggles are often hidden, and conformity is the norm, Mike’s story is a rare, unfiltered look at what it means to reclaim your own narrative. His battle with self-doubt, fear, and personal demons resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their path.
EYES ON THE HORIZON challenges a universal truth: time is fleeting. Whether or not we face a diagnosis, we are all on a timeline. This film is a wake-up call—a reminder that waiting is a choice, and action is the only way forward.
Beyond personal transformation, Mike’s story offers a powerful reflection on how to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment amidst uncertainty—making this film not only timely, but timeless.
Against the backdrop of the Continental Divide, Mike prepares for his next epic journey in the summer of 2025—a 2,700-mile bike ride spanning three countries and five states over eight weeks. Our documentary will follow his ride along the Continental Divide, building on his achievement of completing the TransAmerica Trail. A third expedition is set for 2026, during which Mike will ride across the country again, taking the northern route from Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME.
Similar to his first trip, Mike will be covering 40-70 miles per day and spending most nights in his tent. However, this upcoming epic, which is more remote and off-road, will bring new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Every mile is a testament to his indomitable spirit—a ride where nature’s extremes meet the human will to push beyond limits and redefine what’s possible.
EYES ON THE HORIZON explores themes of resilience and self-reinvention, much like Free Solo and To Shake the Sleeping Self. While Free Solo focuses on Alex Honnold’s pursuit of extreme physical limits on El Capitan—where even the most disciplined preparation can only delay, not prevent, the forces of nature and time—To Shake the Sleeping Self follows Jedidiah Jenkins’ conscious decision to reinvent his life through a long-distance bike ride. In contrast, Mike Bowen’s journey along the Continental Divide is defined by an unchosen challenge, where his transformation is shaped not by a pursuit of reinvention, but by the inevitability of his condition and the resilience required to adapt to it.
STRETCH GOALS:
Our $34,200 goal is the absolute minimum we need to raise for the Continental Divide portion of production.
If we raise between $38,000 and $74,000, we can expand the number of times we meet Mike on the trail and complete interviews with Mike's friends, family, doctors, and other inspiring folks living with R.P who have not let the diagnosis keep them from pursuing their dreams. This may include a professional photographer, mountain biker, ballroom dancer, and storybook artist!
If we raise $75,000, this will cover additional production days & our post-production costs.
If we raise $100,00, this will cover all of the above, plus our distribution and marketing costs.
Any additional funds we raise will be used to expand the scope of production, post-production, and distribution costs. Anything helps!!
Examples of fund usage:
- Expanding the number of locations we can meet Mike on the trail, including the beginning, end, and the states in between!
- Additional crew, interviews, equipment, etc.
- Editing, sound design, color correction, custom soundtrack, etc.
- Marketing, film festival submissions, platform fees, Licensing, etc.
As of right now, we hope to screen EYES ON THE HORIZON at film festivals in 2026-2027, after which time we will release it to the public online. We have potential distribution opportunities and will update our followers as those get locked in! We will make it available for educational institutions who may be interested in featuring this inspiring documentary. Mike will be happy to speak at these institutions, as well.
This film is fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible!
TIMELINE:
We have completed the first phase of production on the TransAmerican Trail and are moving into the second phase of production for the Continental Divide in 2025. We plan on entering our third phase of production in 2026 for Mike's final epic trip. We will interview friends, family, and medical professionals in 2025 and 2026. Post-production will be an ongoing process starting in 2025, and we hope to have the film completed in late 2026, or early 2027.
PLEASE FOLLOW & SHARE:
https://seedandspark.com/eyes-on-the-horizon
@Eyesonthehorizondoc on Instagram and TikTok
Eyes On The Horizon on Facebook
THANK YOU!!
BOLO BROTHERS CREATIVE.
Bolo Brothers Creative is an award-winning, Nashville-based production company that thrives on telling real, human-centered narratives with depth, emotion, and visual excellence. When Bolo Brothers Creative started 13 years ago, founders Grant Carpenter and Jared Rauso were committed to more than just making videos; their mission was to craft immersive projects that engage both their team and their audience on a deeper level.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD.
Bolo has a proven track record of producing award-winning documentaries, including the feature documentary Shine Service, now streaming on Amazon. As storytellers and filmmakers, they believe in the power of documentaries to inspire change, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the diversity of the human experience. So when they met Percy, there was no doubt that Shine Service needed to be made.
A PERSONAL CONNECTION.
Jared went to college with Mike, and Becca, Bolo's producer, have been friends for over a decade and they have worked closely together. Their deep understanding of his journey - both his resilience and his struggles - makes Bolo uniquely positioned to tell his story with the integrity it deserves. The trust they've built over the years creates a natural dynamic, allowing for genuine vulnerability to emerge. Mike's journey is raw, unfiltered and deeply human - a story that needs to be shared with the world.
But this story isn't just something for the world to hear. It's also for Mike. By allowing Bolo to witness and document his journey, he's creating a space for himself to process in real-time. A visual journal. His bike ride isn't just a physical test, it's an external reflection of his internal processing in confronting his own reality, grappling with denial, mourning, and quiet moments of reckoning. While he may still be in the early stages of this journey, his experience will mirror the nonlinear nature of grief and growth.
By sharing this vulnerable and authentic chapter of his life, Mike isn't just letting the world in - he's also giving himself the space to fully live through it. In doing so, he fulfills his greatest passion: Discovering freedom through the pursuit of living life to the fullest.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Package & Audio
Costs $3,000
Help us rent the camera & audio equipment necessary to capture and execute this cinematic vision!
Travel
Costs $2,000
Mike may be traveling by bike, but the crew will need to travel by air and road to meet Mike on his trip!
Crew Is Everything
Costs $6,000
We would love to pay ALL our crew for their time, effort, and expertise.
Location, Location, Location
Costs $500
We will be filming at multiple locations, which will result in permits and location fees due.
Room + Board
Costs $1,500
When the crew heads out to film Mike on the trail, they need a place to stay because Mike's tent only sleeps one ;)
Food & Craft Services
Costs $1,200
Mike will have care packages full of food along the way, but Crew will need to eat too! Those packages are only for the man on the bike!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
IT TAKES FOUR TO FRAME A STORY
-- BECCA WOODS I PRODUCER --
Becca is a seasoned video producer with a decade of experience in outdoor guiding, venue production management, and video production. Whether navigating underground caverns, managing events backstage, scaling the Pyrenees Mountains, or working on set, Becca brings a driven, kind, and inquisitive spirit to every project. Her problem-solving attitude and diverse skill set ensures she is always ready to tackle new challenges and deliver exceptional results.
-- JARED RAUSO I DIRECTOR --
Jared is the Executive Producer and Buisness Development Lead at Bolo Brothers. With a rich background rooted in South Texas, Jared brings 38 years of life experience and a profound passion for storytelling to the forefront of every project. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in propelling Bolo Brothers Creative to new heights, making them a formidable force in the video production industry. Jared’s keen eye for detail and strategic vision are key drivers in the company’s success, positioning them as the go-to for high-quality and impactful video content
-- GRANT CARPENTER I DoP --
Grant is the Head of Operations at Bolo Brothers. He’s also the one behind the camera as the Director of Photography and handles all the editing magic behind the scenes too. He’s all about creating eye-catching visuals that really make an impact. He prides himself on being detail-oriented and efficient, which helps us get awesome results quickly. He’s all about bringing creativity and innovation to every project we wrangle.
-- MADALINA ZIMMERMAN I PRODUCER --
Madalina’s love for storytelling has always been rooted in her ability to envision the written word transformed into a cinematic experiences. As a producer, she is deeply committed to championing meaningful stories and ensuring they find their place on the big screen. Over the last decade, she has produced, directed, and written award-winning commercials, short films and documentaries, earning international recognition. In 2021, she made the transition to feature films and has since produced four features and a television series.