Kiesha Mastrodimos (left)speaks to filmmaker Mariah Braun (right). (Photo supplied by Mariah Braun)

By Shane Clausing

Funded by Storyhive

Grande Prairie filmmaker to tell story of local woman’s journey through disability, perseverance

Jan 25, 2021 | 5:47 PM

A local filmmaker has recently been named the recipient of $20,000 in funding thanks to the TELUS STORYHIVE project.

TELUS put a call out to local filmmakers throughout Alberta and B.C. through the project, asking them to make a pitch about a film which would tell the story about a local hero.

Mariah Braun, a filmmaker from Grande Prairie learned about local woman Kiesha Mastrodimos’ story and decided that it would be a perfect story to document and share.

“I wanted to see what Grande Prairie people were talking about, who did they think was a hero? Kiesha stood out right away and I reached out to her and asked her if she’d be interested in making a film,” explained Braun.

Seven years ago, Mastrodimos was in a car accident, which left her as an incomplete quadriplegic.

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Mastrodimos, who was 17 at the time, was also told that she likely would not be able to walk again.

While she received the tough news, over the last seven years she’s made it her goal to walk again and to help inspire others in a similar situation as her.

“She just rises above all of the challenges she’s experienced since her accident, she’s living the most fulfilling life that she possibly can,” said Braun.

“Throughout this time, she’s gained quite a following on social media, she’s inspiring a lot of local people here.

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“Whether it is her doing her presentations in schools or having a smiling face at Costco, she’s just a really inspiring woman and it’s a huge story about resilience and strength.”

According to Braun, Mastrodimos told her that while the accident took away her ability to walk, it actually helped save her life. She says the accident helped her find a deeper purpose in life.

After several meetings, Braun says Mastrodimos was excited to be a part of the production and hopes to share her story with a wider audience.

With funding now in place for the film, Braun says work on the production will begin in March.

She adds the film will focus on Kiesha’s story as well as other topics like accessibility for people with disabilities in rural communities like Grande Prairie, as well as put a focus on living with a disability.

If everything goes to plan, the film titled “Able” will be released sometime in 2022.

You can find a full synopsis of the story at the TELUS STORYHIVE website.