Riding My Way Back Trailer
Mendocino Film Festival 2015
Sunday, May 31, 12:00 pm, Ridgewood Ranch, Willits, $11 in advance, $12 at the door
Directed by Robin Fryday and Peter Rosenbaum (Q&A with filmmakers after screening)
One soldier’s journey back from the brink of suicide. In 2010, Staff Sergeant Aaron Heliker returned from multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Suicidal and on 42 medications, Aaron is at his most desperate and isolated when he is introduced to the unlikeliest of saviors: a horse named Fred. Through caring for Fred, Aaron begins the difficult process of reconnecting to the world around him and healing the invisible wounds of war that nearly defeated him. 26 min; Official Selection, Mill Valley Film Festival; Official Selection, Napa Valley Film Festival; Founder’s Choice Award, GI Film Festival.
WITH: Ridgewood Ranch: The Home of Seabiscuit
This short film explores the history of Ridgewood Ranch, Seabiscuit’s home and final resting place. See Seabiscuit’s homecoming in 1940, Red Pollard’s wedding, and scenes from the races.
WITH: The Making of a Legend: Seabiscuit’s 1940 Victory at Santa Anita Park
Said jockey Red Pollard ahead of the legendary Santa Anita Handicap on March 2, 1940, “Old Pops and I have four good legs between us. I hope that’s enough.” It was, and the rest is history: Seabiscuit and Red Pollard broke the track record, making Seabiscuit the richest horse in racing history.