Trail Therapy

Durham, North Carolina | Film Short

Nature, Documentary

Green Light

This campaign raised $4,985 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

81 supporters | followers

Enter the amount you would like to pledge

$

When Sharon Mosley received a wake-up call from her doctor in her mid-30s - she had high blood pressure - she made the audacious decision to train for a sprint triathlon. She's now training for her next race, the Tar Heel 10-miler, 11 years after her first appearance. Will she beat her earlier pace?

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities and seek help with mental illness, with historic discrimination being a large underlying factor. We aim to normalize the healing power of nature and mental health services in this film.

The Story

Pictured above: Sharon Mosley running on the American Tobacco Trail.


In this documentary short film, we invite audiences on an intimate journey of transformation, exploring the life of Sharon Mosley, a black woman therapist and runner, who has redefined her relationship with health. After receiving a wake-up call from her doctor in her mid-30s - a diagnosis of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, indicators leading to being pre-diabetic - she made the audacious decision to train for a sprint triathlon. Determined to stay committed to her physical journey, she began regularly participating in running events. After participating in the Tar Heel 4 Miler race 11 years ago, she's back and ready to run in the Tar Heel 10 Miler. More miles, more years of running experience, and more obstacles to complete the course with a faster pace.



Through personal interviews, observational footage of her race training, and the community she’s built along the way, we delve into her initial struggles, her determination to overcome the odds, and her ultimate triumph. We capture the raw moments of her training and the emotional and psychological journey that accompanies her physical one.


This film is as much about the transformative power of nature and running as it is about the resilience of the human spirit. It showcases our protagonist's perseverance, her moments of self-doubt, her small victories, and her eventual triumphant finish. We highlight her journey to reclaim her health and to push past the boundaries of what she thought was possible.



In a world where Black women's health issues are often marginalized, this film serves as an important narrative about taking control of one's health and well-being. Through her story, we aim to inspire, motivate, and spark a conversation about the importance of holistic wellness, the power of nature in our healing process, and the strength of inclusive communities – just as she does with her clients as a therapist.


Fundraising plan:


We plan to fund this film through a mix of crowdfunding and brand sponsorships to help us fund all aspects of the film production process, from pre-production to delivery. We'll be sharing the film virtually with supporters and submitting the film to film festivals.


What happens if we exceed our crowdfunding goal?


All supporters will be cordially invited to a local film screening! The event will likely take place in Durham, but additional cities will be considered if there's enough interest!


Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

Production

Costs $2,000

This will help pay our crew to produce the film and follow Sharon from training to race day.

Post-Production

Costs $1,000

Once we wrap filming, this well help us edit the film and finish the film. Virtual screenings, local screenings, film festivals, and more!

Care Package

Costs $1,000

The funds we raise will help pay for travel expenses, food, media storage, and more for our film crew.

About This Team

Rootful Media is the Durham-based production company creating this film. Founded by Angela Hollowell, Rootful Media develops purpose-driven creative projects across film, digital, and social platforms. We're a media company built on Southern soul food, tequila, and a thirst for telling authentic stories. Our creative agency is based in Durham, North Carolina, and is driven by powerful human connection through beautiful imagery. Our company is committed to inclusive visual storytelling that promotes community-building, meaningful conversations, exceeded fundraising goals, and lasting change. Rootful Media works with regional organizations and national enterprises to amplify diverse groups and voices. Our work takes a documentary approach to narrative storytelling in the environmental justice and human rights industries while striking a balance between dynamic visual imagery and human connection.


Film Crew:

Angela Hollowell - Producer/DP

Jordan Mendys - Camera Operator

Taylor D. Adams - Editor

Current Team

Supporters

Followers

Incentives