For Immediate Release
June 25, 2014
Contact Michael Mooney 603-369-0387 [email protected]
100: Head Heart Feet screens at Frontier Theater July 10
Hammer & Saw films follows the journey of “everyman” preparing for one of ultrarunning’s biggest races
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. AND BURLINGTON, VER.—The new documentary from award-winning Hammer & Saw films, 100: Head Heart Feet returns to Brunswick’s Frontier Theater July 10 at 7 p.m. after a sold-out show in June. The film celebrates the journey of Portland, Maine resident and Trail Monster Running member Zak Wieluns as he struggles to complete his first 100 mile ultramarathon in Vermont.
Wieluns, vice president of Technology Finance at TD Bank US Technology Solutions in Portland, first attempted the Vermont 100 Endurance Race in 2011 but sat down, physically exhausted at the 89-mile checkpoint and unable to continue. In 2012 his extensive physical training went for naught as he burst a knee-cyst after 30-miles.100: Head Heart Feet follows Wieluns, a graduate of Waldoboro’s Medomak Valley High School, in his grueling preparation for and participation in the 25th anniversary running of this celebrated race, one of the original 100-mile runs and a part of the Grand Slam Series of Ultrarunning.
Emily Wynes of farnorthendurance.com writes of the film, “I didn’t just like it. I was truly blown away. Despite being new to the documentary genre (or perhaps because they are new to it), filmmakers Mike Mooney and Will Peters have crafted a beautiful story of the physical and emotional pains and joys experienced by runners—and those who support them—as they push their bodies and minds to their limits.”
The producers of Motel and Exit 7A, Mooney and Peters followed Wieluns’ intensive training regimen and its impact on his relationships while exploring the reasons he was singularly dedicated to completing the “100.”
Director Mooney, general manager of Portsmouth’s Poly Recovery Sustainable Recycling, is himself an Iron Man competitor. A graduate of Kimball Union Academy and Colby-Sawyer College, he wanted to examine the camaraderie among ultrarunners by recording the stories of handlers, sherpas and training partners and exploring the friendships that motivate their grueling preparation for the race. He questioned physiologists, nutritionists and sport psychology experts about the extreme health risks associated with ultrarunning.
Cinematographer and editor Peters captured stunning footage of Weiluns’ day-long struggles with heat and exhaustion against the picturesque backdrop of rural Vermont. With a crew of 19 Colby-Sawyer College alumni, faculty and current students, Hammer & Saw films recorded every aspect of the grueling race, from the horses that accompanied the runners to the stations where runners refueled to the medical check points and the hospital tents.
Vermont native Mark Daly, former front man for the rock band Chamberlin, composed the sound track for the film, which also features music by Bon Iver, 2012 Grammy winners for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album, Luke Reynolds of the popular group Guster and internet marimba sensation Evan Chapman.
100: Head Heart Feet appeals not only to the nearly 10 million recreational runners and more than a half-million marathoners in the U.S. but also to anyone who enjoys watching the real life struggles of a man training to take on one of the nearly impossible physical feats in sports… all while trying to maintain a “normal” life.
The Frontier, located in Fort Andross on the banks of the Androscoggin River, will screen 100: Head Heart Feet at 7 p.m. July 10. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/735983.
For more information about 100: Head Heart Feet, please visit https://www.facebook.com/100.Head.Heart.Feet?ref=hl. For more information about Hammer & Saw Films, visit http://www.hammerandsawfilms.com/.
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Hammer and Saw films was founded in 2008 by Colby-Sawyer alumni Will Peters and Mike Mooney. Their first short film, Motel, won Best of Fest and the Rochester International Film Festival and the Slightly North of Boston Film Festival. Exit 7A screened at 21 film festivals in the US, winning The Best of Fest award at The Filmshift Festival, Best Short Thriller at Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Buffalo International Film Festival. Exit 7A has also been selected for deadline magazine’s Best International Short Thriller award in Munich, Germany.