Film Production Budget Update

We are pleased to announce that we have completed filming as of December 12, 2024, and have made significant progress in post-production. However, as we advance, we face additional post-production costs, including the creation of digital files and Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) essential for submissions, as well as music licensing fees. It is important to note that marketing and film submission fees can accumulate rapidly.

Our team is diligently pursuing grants and developing sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, we are excited to continue our Phase II fundraising campaign, titled “Hiking through Grief, Moving Forward!” Our goal is to raise an additional $25,000 through grants, donations, and sponsorships to support this endeavor.

Film Submission to International Festivals

With an eye to a premiere at the Cleveland International Film Festival, "Hiking through Grief" has entered the documentary feature category as a local entry. The HTG team is excited at the prospect of our film showing right here in Northeast Ohio. We recognize how important it is for filmmakers and subjects to attend festivals and be available for Q&A's after the film. Our entire team and subjects of the film are committed to representing the film with as many people as possible. This is what makes going to a film festival, truly a unique experience, unlike streaming. HTG has also entered other festivals across the country and Canada, such as WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, Milwaukee Film Festival, DOXA Documentary Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival. Film festival submission judges can watch our film on FilmFreeway @ https://filmfreeway.com/projects/3269270

Northeast Ohio Film and Local Ties

This film is a labor of passion, with everyone on the team working on spec—meaning they’re working without upfront payment, driven solely by their belief in the project’s powerful message. Sufficient funds through crowdfunding and sponsorship were raised to pay all core production staff, and they received payment by Christmas. We are so amazed by our dedicated team, who have contributed their time and talent.

Our local production crew includes: director Stephen Burks of Bainbridge, Cinematographer Henry Ortlip of Aurora, and Producer Engelina Koberna of Chagrin Falls. Rounding out the production crew are twins, Jake and Chad Ressler, sound and lighting engineers from Solon, Sarah Willgrube, assistant producer of Ohio City, and Production Manager Jamie Bullock Hurley of Kent. Lastly, our local marketing team member, Molly Bregar of Lakewood.

We are excited to announce that Julie Frayman, an avid hiker and Beachwood community supporter, has joined our team after seeing the compelling trailer.  Julie will assist in sponsorship development and community partnerships. 

Our Mission: Illuminating the Journey of Grief

This film is dedicated to educating, supporting, and offering hope to those grieving the loss of loved ones. In society, the unique needs of individuals in mourning are often underrecognized, with too little understanding and support provided. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to grieve within a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment.

Our film underscores the power of community, where individuals can find resilience by sharing their experiences with others who understand the pain of loss. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s words, “Grief and resilience live together,” our project seeks to foster a sense of solidarity and strength for those navigating the often overwhelming journey of grief.

Development of a Grief Guide

A supporting grief counseling guide is being developed by Jennifer Stern, LISW of Transformative Grief, and Dr. Ellen Luebbers Weaver, co-founder of Power of Joy's Hiking through Loss, to accompany the film. 

Grief groups and mental health providers will be able to utilize the film with this supportive guide. A leader's guide, thought-provoking questions, coping methods, and local resources are included to assist those suffering from grief to heal, inspire, and perhaps find joy again. 

Ms. Stern specializes in working with individuals and families on grief, loss, bereavement, and difficult life transitions. Dr. Weaver is a retired pathologist, who lost her husband in 2018.