RESIST
London, Canada | Film Feature
Documentary, Biography
Fifteen years after a campus mental health crisis was miscast as violence, one man reclaims his voice. RESIST confronts stigma, reshapes the narrative, and demands compassion. Help us finish the film that dares to tell the truth.
RESIST
London, Canada | Film Feature
Documentary, Biography
1 Campaigns | Ontario, Canada
Green Light
This campaign raised C$8,790 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
24 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Fifteen years after a campus mental health crisis was miscast as violence, one man reclaims his voice. RESIST confronts stigma, reshapes the narrative, and demands compassion. Help us finish the film that dares to tell the truth.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In October 2009, a university student suffered a mental health crisis that spiraled into a life-altering incident. Completely unaware of his actions, he barricaded himself in a professor’s office. The moment was caught on video and swiftly broadcast across media channels, painting him as a violent assailant. For years, he fought not only the legal system but also the crushing weight of public perception—struggling to resist the narrative forced upon him and to reclaim his identity as more than a headline.
RESIST reflects on fifteen years since that crisis, revisiting the incident, the trial, and the lasting aftermath. It’s a story about how we confront trauma, about the power of narrative, and about the human will to be seen in full.
SUBJECT
At the heart of RESIST is our central subject: Irnes Zeljkovic, once a student whose breakdown was publicly miscast as violence, now a mental health professional reckoning with his past. Through his eyes, we see the toll of stigma, the resilience it takes to rebuild, and the profound struggle to separate identity from incident.
Irnes Zeljkovic MSW, BSW, BA, RSW embodies a remarkable journey of resilience and compassion, woven through his professional career and personal experiences. Currently serving as the clinical specialist of a local hospital psychosis program, Irnes plays a pivotal role in fortifying clinical programs, nurturing staff, and extending crucial education to the broader community. Irnes has worked across all levels of healthcare, including hospital, private, and community sector, emphasizing the critical importance of proactive community mental health care. A passionate advocate for early intervention and community collaboration, Irnes believes in the transformative power of collective support in advancing healthcare and societal wellness.
Supporting voices include family, friends, advocates, and experts who help contextualize the story—shedding light on the broader implications of how society responds to mental health crises.
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WHAT IS RESIST?
RESIST is a feature-length documentary that blends vérité interviews, archival footage, stylized imagery, and cinematic reenactments. The subject takes on the role of both narrator and investigator—like a detective mapping timelines on a cork board—piecing together fragments of memory and media distortion.
This dual reality allows viewers to experience both the media’s sensationalized version of events and the deeper, personal truth that was obscured. Visually bold and emotionally raw, the film merges documentary realism with psychological thriller elements, drawing the audience into a layered cinematic journey.
An original score underscores the emotional landscape, deepening the resonance of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
IMPACT STATEMENT
RESIST challenges audiences to question how society labels people in crisis and asks: Who do we become when the world reduces us to our worst moments? By humanizing the subject at the center of this story, the film pushes for greater compassion, awareness, and advocacy around mental health.
Our goal is to spark conversations on campuses, in communities, and among policymakers—expanding the way we talk about crisis intervention, accountability, and recovery.
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WHY NOW?
Fifteen years later, mental health crises are on the rise, especially among young adults and university students. Conversations around stigma, media accountability, and support systems are more urgent than ever. RESIST is not just looking back; it is building a bridge to move forward.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
We’ve successfully raised funds on Kickstarter, which got us through production. Today, we are in post-production with 90% of filming complete. To finish the film and share it with the world, we need your support.
Your contributions will directly fund:
- Post-production editing and sound design
- The original score and sound mix
- Color grading and finishing touches
- Distribution expenses to bring the film to festivals, campuses, and communities
- Auxiliary legal fees to ensure this sensitive story is responsibly and ethically told
Every dollar helps us cross the finish line and ensures RESIST can reach the audiences who need it most.
TIMELINE
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HOW TO CONTACT US AND FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY
We’d love for you to be part of this project’s ongoing story. Follow our progress, screenings, and behind-the-scenes updates:
Website: resistdoc.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: resistdoc
Together, we can resist stigma, resist silence, and reclaim identity through the power of storytelling.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Licensing
Costs C$2,000
This will help us cover some of the cost involved with licensing.
Misc.
Costs C$1,000
This will cover miscellaneous costs including (but not limited to); craft services, parking, travel expenses, and administrative fees.
Cash Pledge
Costs C$1
If you feel so inclined, any extra financial support helps!
Original Music Score
Costs C$2,000
This will cover the cost of an original music score and sound design.
Editorial Services
Costs C$5,500
This will help cover the cost for the remaining editorial services required.
Cash Pledge
Costs C$0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Film Crew Bios
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Ilhan A. | Director and Producer
Rooted in her fondness for storytelling, pursuing a career as a creative has always been the goal. Through various production related roles, Ilhan’s detail oriented and sharp focus has helped actualize creativity in music, television, and film. She is an avid believer in that if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to survive, and if art is meant to imitate life; art will forever be a communal effort — she’s just trying to find her place in it.
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Shan Anderson | Director and Producer
Shan, a multifaceted artist, thrives at the intersection of film, art and music. Armed with a degree in Film and English, Shan’s storytelling expertise transcends mediums. As an avid reader she draws inspiration from diverse narratives, infusing her work with dramatic flair. Whether writing scripts, acting in front of an audience, or creating her own clothes, Shan’s creativity knows no bounds. She is a passionate creative, literary explorer and filmmaker.
Brad is a film aficionado, photographer, and graphic designer. He blends his passions to create captivating stories across various mediums, showcasing a deep-rooted commitment to creativity with a meticulous attention to detail.
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Dylan Trahan | Editor | https://dylantrahan.ca/
A talented multidisciplinary artist, Dylan is a one stop shop for all your creative needs; a video editor, graphic designer, musician, and actor, he is an entertainer through and through. With a passion for storytelling stemming from childhood, his genuine curiosity continues to guide his creativity today.
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Raimundo Rocha Neto | Sound Recordist | https://www.resonantsoundlabs.com
Mixing his 20 years of IT experience and his passion for audio engineering, Raimundo is a force to be reckoned with. As an Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology graduate, his skill sets include: location sound, Foley, sound design, and editing podcasts. If he isn't recording sounds, he's busy making them as a session Saxophonist and Guitarist.
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Kirk Jones | Music Supervisor
Kirk is a seasoned audio engineer and music producer with a passion for bringing music to life. Kirk is the head engineer at EMAC Recording Studios, where he has dedicated his career to crafting impeccable sounds and memorable musical experiences. Kirk’s journey in the music industry has been fueled by his love for all things audio and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether he is behind the mixing console or playing one of the many instruments he has mastered, Kirk channels his energy and expertise into every project he undertakes.
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Crystal Crawley | Production Support
Crystal is a writer/actor & production girl. She attended the Comedy writing & performance program at Humber College. For nearly a decade she worked as an Audience Coordinator for shows on CBC, CTV & Discovery Channel. After an industry hiatus and a move to London, she's excited to be back in the entertainment world. When not on set, she enjoys the adventure of raising her three wonderful daughters who keep her on her toes, and inspire her love of storytelling.
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About Siren Song
Our Mission | Siren Song Entertainment Inc.
Siren Song Entertainment Inc. is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in film by fostering a creative space where female storytellers take the lead. Through compelling narratives and visuals, we aim to shift the industry landscape by championing women as executive producers, producers, writers and directors. Our priority is to create an ecosystem where women thrive in key creative and leadership roles, ensuring their stories are heard, valued, and celebrated.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In October 2009, a university student suffered a mental health crisis that spiraled into a life-altering incident. Completely unaware of his actions, he barricaded himself in a professor’s office. The moment was caught on video and swiftly broadcast across media channels, painting him as a violent assailant. For years, he fought not only the legal system but also the crushing weight of public perception—struggling to resist the narrative forced upon him and to reclaim his identity as more than a headline.
RESIST reflects on fifteen years since that crisis, revisiting the incident, the trial, and the lasting aftermath. It’s a story about how we confront trauma, about the power of narrative, and about the human will to be seen in full.
SUBJECT
At the heart of RESIST is our central subject: Irnes Zeljkovic, once a student whose breakdown was publicly miscast as violence, now a mental health professional reckoning with his past. Through his eyes, we see the toll of stigma, the resilience it takes to rebuild, and the profound struggle to separate identity from incident.
Irnes Zeljkovic MSW, BSW, BA, RSW embodies a remarkable journey of resilience and compassion, woven through his professional career and personal experiences. Currently serving as the clinical specialist of a local hospital psychosis program, Irnes plays a pivotal role in fortifying clinical programs, nurturing staff, and extending crucial education to the broader community. Irnes has worked across all levels of healthcare, including hospital, private, and community sector, emphasizing the critical importance of proactive community mental health care. A passionate advocate for early intervention and community collaboration, Irnes believes in the transformative power of collective support in advancing healthcare and societal wellness.
Supporting voices include family, friends, advocates, and experts who help contextualize the story—shedding light on the broader implications of how society responds to mental health crises.
WHAT IS RESIST?
RESIST is a feature-length documentary that blends vérité interviews, archival footage, stylized imagery, and cinematic reenactments. The subject takes on the role of both narrator and investigator—like a detective mapping timelines on a cork board—piecing together fragments of memory and media distortion.
This dual reality allows viewers to experience both the media’s sensationalized version of events and the deeper, personal truth that was obscured. Visually bold and emotionally raw, the film merges documentary realism with psychological thriller elements, drawing the audience into a layered cinematic journey.
An original score underscores the emotional landscape, deepening the resonance of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
IMPACT STATEMENT
RESIST challenges audiences to question how society labels people in crisis and asks: Who do we become when the world reduces us to our worst moments? By humanizing the subject at the center of this story, the film pushes for greater compassion, awareness, and advocacy around mental health.
Our goal is to spark conversations on campuses, in communities, and among policymakers—expanding the way we talk about crisis intervention, accountability, and recovery.
WHY NOW?
Fifteen years later, mental health crises are on the rise, especially among young adults and university students. Conversations around stigma, media accountability, and support systems are more urgent than ever. RESIST is not just looking back; it is building a bridge to move forward.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
We’ve successfully raised funds on Kickstarter, which got us through production. Today, we are in post-production with 90% of filming complete. To finish the film and share it with the world, we need your support.
Your contributions will directly fund:
- Post-production editing and sound design
- The original score and sound mix
- Color grading and finishing touches
- Distribution expenses to bring the film to festivals, campuses, and communities
- Auxiliary legal fees to ensure this sensitive story is responsibly and ethically told
Every dollar helps us cross the finish line and ensures RESIST can reach the audiences who need it most.
TIMELINE
HOW TO CONTACT US AND FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY
We’d love for you to be part of this project’s ongoing story. Follow our progress, screenings, and behind-the-scenes updates:
Website: resistdoc.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: resistdoc
Together, we can resist stigma, resist silence, and reclaim identity through the power of storytelling.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Licensing
Costs C$2,000
This will help us cover some of the cost involved with licensing.
Misc.
Costs C$1,000
This will cover miscellaneous costs including (but not limited to); craft services, parking, travel expenses, and administrative fees.
Cash Pledge
Costs C$1
If you feel so inclined, any extra financial support helps!
Original Music Score
Costs C$2,000
This will cover the cost of an original music score and sound design.
Editorial Services
Costs C$5,500
This will help cover the cost for the remaining editorial services required.
Cash Pledge
Costs C$0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Film Crew Bios
Ilhan A. | Director and Producer
Rooted in her fondness for storytelling, pursuing a career as a creative has always been the goal. Through various production related roles, Ilhan’s detail oriented and sharp focus has helped actualize creativity in music, television, and film. She is an avid believer in that if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to survive, and if art is meant to imitate life; art will forever be a communal effort — she’s just trying to find her place in it.
Shan Anderson | Director and Producer
Shan, a multifaceted artist, thrives at the intersection of film, art and music. Armed with a degree in Film and English, Shan’s storytelling expertise transcends mediums. As an avid reader she draws inspiration from diverse narratives, infusing her work with dramatic flair. Whether writing scripts, acting in front of an audience, or creating her own clothes, Shan’s creativity knows no bounds. She is a passionate creative, literary explorer and filmmaker.
Brad is a film aficionado, photographer, and graphic designer. He blends his passions to create captivating stories across various mediums, showcasing a deep-rooted commitment to creativity with a meticulous attention to detail.
Dylan Trahan | Editor | https://dylantrahan.ca/
A talented multidisciplinary artist, Dylan is a one stop shop for all your creative needs; a video editor, graphic designer, musician, and actor, he is an entertainer through and through. With a passion for storytelling stemming from childhood, his genuine curiosity continues to guide his creativity today.
Raimundo Rocha Neto | Sound Recordist | https://www.resonantsoundlabs.com
Mixing his 20 years of IT experience and his passion for audio engineering, Raimundo is a force to be reckoned with. As an Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology graduate, his skill sets include: location sound, Foley, sound design, and editing podcasts. If he isn't recording sounds, he's busy making them as a session Saxophonist and Guitarist.
Kirk Jones | Music Supervisor
Kirk is a seasoned audio engineer and music producer with a passion for bringing music to life. Kirk is the head engineer at EMAC Recording Studios, where he has dedicated his career to crafting impeccable sounds and memorable musical experiences. Kirk’s journey in the music industry has been fueled by his love for all things audio and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether he is behind the mixing console or playing one of the many instruments he has mastered, Kirk channels his energy and expertise into every project he undertakes.
Crystal Crawley | Production Support
Crystal is a writer/actor & production girl. She attended the Comedy writing & performance program at Humber College. For nearly a decade she worked as an Audience Coordinator for shows on CBC, CTV & Discovery Channel. After an industry hiatus and a move to London, she's excited to be back in the entertainment world. When not on set, she enjoys the adventure of raising her three wonderful daughters who keep her on her toes, and inspire her love of storytelling.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Siren Song
Our Mission | Siren Song Entertainment Inc.
Siren Song Entertainment Inc. is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in film by fostering a creative space where female storytellers take the lead. Through compelling narratives and visuals, we aim to shift the industry landscape by championing women as executive producers, producers, writers and directors. Our priority is to create an ecosystem where women thrive in key creative and leadership roles, ensuring their stories are heard, valued, and celebrated.