As long as I have been a filmmaker, I have dreamed of making a movie about fencing.

Fencing, after all, has given me so much. Fencing taught me how to believe in myself against insurmountable odds. Fencing taught me how to lose with grace, and to win with humility. Fencing taught me that no one -- no one -- gets to decide who I am or what I'm capable of except me. In other words, I would never have survived the filmmaking world without fencing.

So, for something so deeply enriching, so iconic in its history, so naturally cinematic, so deeply tethered to what it means to be human, why have there been so few depictions of it in cinema? And why have none of those few instances been able to capture the majesty of winning that final touch, screaming into your mask with joy as your teammates cheer you on? This is the question that has haunted me since my freshman year of film school, now close to a decade ago.

The goal behind "Untouchable" is a simple one -- to bring modern, competitive fencing to the silver screen in the most thrilling, the most emotional, and the most authentic way possible. This isn't a film about swashbuckling rogues doing spectacular behind-the-back parries atop a pirate ship. This is a grounded and character-driven sports drama about lost teenagers bandaging the blisters underneath a sweat-stained glove so that they can carry that foil just a little bit longer, because it's all they have. Because sword fighting in today's world isn't just cool moves and state titles. It's late nights at the fencing club. It's pushing yourself to the breaking point and finding invincibility somewhere beyond it. It's pulled hamstrings that end careers and alter the course of a young person's life. It's loneliness and isolation from your friends who just don't get it.

And to those of us who live in breathe it, it's simply the best game in the world.

"Untouchable" will be the ninth short film I have produced through my production group, Wolfpack Films. It will be the seventh film I have directed, and the eleventh screenplay I have had made into a movie. Each time, I've reviewed the finished product and asked myself, "Is it time? Are we ready for 'Untouchable'?" And each time, I have answered myself, "No, not yet. Keep practicing." So back to the blank page to sharpen my skills a little bit more, while my dream project marinated in the back of the queue. This changed last year when my horror drama "Wisteria" won Best Picture at the Virginia Screenwriters Forum Short Film Showcase, at which point a soft, yet confident voice in the back of my head whispered, "It's time. You're ready."

Untouchable", screenwriting accolades from the Austin Film Festival and the Final Draft Big Break Contest under its belt, is finally coming. Upon its completion, "Untouchable" is scheduled to premiere at the Third Annual Virginia Screenwriters Forum Short Film Showcase alongside films written by some of the best writers in Virginia. In years past, this event has attracted over 250 moviegoers, and this year is projected to be its biggest yet. With raffles, awards, and celebrity guests, there's no better place for a short film to begin its festival trajectory. Previous projects of mine have been featured at the Virginia Film Festival, the Richmond International Film Festival, the Northern Virginia International Film Festival, The Magic of Horror Film Festival, and many more. As the biggest and most important film of my career, "Untouchable" will be submitted to all these and more. As a proof-of-concept for an award-winning feature screenplay, the film will be included in pitch decks sent to screenwriting agents, production companies, indie producers, and anyone who can help greenlight the feature project. But like legendary films before it such as Whiplash and Saw, it all starts with a great short film.

And that's why we're here. Asking for help is really not something I excel at. In the past, I've funded my projects by working multiple jobs and draining my savings account. But to me, Untouchable - and fencing as a whole - is all about pushing myself to new places and learning to get honest and vulnerable about what I want, and what I need.

And right now, what I need is your help.

A donation of any size is huge for getting this project made. All donors $15 or more will receive a free digital copy of the film exclusive to them - the general public outside of film festivals and industry professionals won't get to see this film online for another 1-2 years after its competition (though I highly recommend planning a trip to the Virginia Screenwriters Forum Short Film Showcase in August to see it up on the big screen at its premiere - donors $100 get VIP passes to this event). There's lots of other exciting perks you can check out on our incentives page. If you're not able to make a cash donation, a like, a follow, and a share to your social media platforms are also great ways to be part of this journey.

Thank you for listening to my story. If this project resonates with you, please consider donating to Untouchable.

-Coach Adam