Lisa Tucker
WW Interactive Communications

My favorite part of attending Sundance is meeting all of the amazing people who work in the film industry – the ones whose names I have never heard of before. Sure, it is always exciting to see celebrities – I would be lying if I told you that wasn’t the case. But it is the stories of people who have given their all to the craft of filmmaking that really interest me. I’m constantly amazed by the number of people who have gotten into the industry, often in really strange ways, and then struggled for years to catch a break.

One such story is that of Steven Barber of Santa Monica, California. Barber is here in Park City trying to secure funding for his documentary entitled “The Alaskan Challenge.” The documentary tells the story of the world’s longest wheelchair race – and follows three paraplegics who participated in the 267-mile, six day marathon on wheelchairs and hand-cycles through Alaska last summer.

A former ad-man, Barber felt compelled to tell this story after seeing a man (Geoffrey Erickson) in a wheelchair a few times every year for over ten years fixing cars in the apartment complex where he lives. He struck up a conversation with the Erickson, who told him he was gearing up for this marathon in Alaska. Barber was so intrigued by his story, that he became compelled to enter the film industry to tell the tale.

After purchasing $50,000 worth of camera equipment, Barber set out to raise funds for the project. A lucky connection to John Paul Mitchell founder, J.P. Dejoria, kick-started the funding. Subsequent funding has come from the likes of Pamela Anderson, Steve Forbes, and a $100 check from Larry Hagman. Famous funny man Dan Aykroyd has agreed to narrate the film, and Clint Black has provided his song, “Better Life” as the film’s soundtrack.

In post-production now, Barber is hoping to finish the film in time to submit to Sundance ’09. He still lacks a little over $200,000 in funding, however, and hopes to finds more benefactors for the film here in Park City.

If you would like to see more on Steven Barber, you can check out his site at www.vanillafire.com.