Wrong Way to Hope, the film I was in. Countdown begins now. Lots of people looking forward to seeing it, not least myself. I am supposed to head to Toronto this weekend to get a preview as well as another interview. I'll let you know more information as I get it.

It started when I was on the river this past summer.

The trip was organized by Youth Dynamics Adventures, the expedition wing of Youth Dynamics ministries, therefore both the film crew and the guides were all young Christian Americans. However, they were not at all like the negative image that American Christians have in the media (particularly their older versions). These people were extremely supportive, positive, upbeat and not particularly proselytizing. Besides Mike and Bonnie Lang, the trip organizers, there was one guide in particular that really affected me.

This is a rough draft of the movie trailer for the film project. There is much to be done here, especially with the sound, but take a look at this anyway. You can see that things are really coming along. I recommend maximizing the view window.

Also, if you want to see the movie when I do a screening (probably late March), leave a comment. Or leave a comment anyway.

Wrong to Way Hope - Trailer from Aaron Bryant on Vimeo.

I know I said that I would be a more regular poster. I should probably stick to promises I think that I can actually keep. That last sentence is more important than many of you know. Anyway.

The movie project that I was working on is coming along quite nicely. You can see some stills here at the Survive and Thrive site. But here's the sweet part: A 13-minute multimedia presentation by our photographer for the site, Brandon Sawaya! He is a really great photographer, only in his mid-20s. Of course, IANAP (I am not a photographer), but those that have been professionally trained tell me that the man really has talent. Especially when you consider that he was doing much of this from a kayak!




More goodies to come as they become available. If you would like a screening of the final product in your home city, let me know. I am also interested in anyone that could do subtitling for this film.

Sorry about my absence folks, although those of you that follow me on Twitter or Facebook know that I am alive and kicking.

I should be talking (or should have talked) extensively about my experience on the Owyhee River. It was tremendous, to be sure, and not easily put into words. Maybe I will give a somewhat brief summary soon. Maybe I will vlog it instead. I do plan on returning here again in any case. Let me fill you in on the last 2 months.

July 10-July 24: Trip of a lifetime. Returning feeling healthier than I have since fall 2005.
July 25: Picnic in the park with friends followed by watching the best worst movie ever. Wore Columbia gear.
July 27: Found out the contract with Cedars is basically over and the job in the fall isn't going to happen. I am also overqualified for anything else. Radiation started. Barbecue with friends (this time in French!). Wore Columbia gear.
July 29: I learn that another young adult with cancer died two days earlier. I drop the ball WRT to Julie's birthday.
July 30: Severance pay ends. Start really feeling ill, tired and depressed from radiation.
August 12: Interview at company. Not too impressed.
August 13: Tumours acting up. Not happy.
August 18: Apply at three game companies.
August 19: Phone interview at one of them. Tumours gradually begin to stop bothering me.
August 20: Face-to-face interview at the second one.
August 21: Accept offer at the second one.
August 24: Start work. As a producer.
August 28: Lose backpack with a lot of valuables.
August 31: Realize that the backpack is actually lost. Meeting with oncologist suggests that the cancer is under control. We'll see.
September 3: Start class once again.

I will go back and elaborate on some of these things soon. By the way, it seems that this blog has absolutely no formatting in some browsers. Could you indicate to me if you can see my template at all? Just leave a comment. Thanks.

Certain things just keep getting better. Every time I have a great trip or achievement, eventually something comes along that tops it. This trip is no different.

Most of you already know that I will be travelling to Oregon for a rafting/adventure/film documentary project. Well, the time has finally come!

This afternoon I will be leaving for Calgary. Tomorrow or Sunday we will undergo the long drive to Oregon (16 hours) with a surprise stop somewhere along the way. I will be on the river by Monday or Tuesday. Until that time, I will attempt to keep in touch with all of you through Twitter or Facebook, but after that time I will be going dark until around the 23rd. I will, however, try to keep a written journal while I am on the river, and put that into blog form when I get back.

But fear not! There will be a GPS tracking our progress. You can either find us on Google Earth, or by just going to the film website here.

Thanks so much for you support throughout the last several months, and the last couple of years! You are all invited to the screening in December/January!

Last night fundraiser was a roaring success thanks to all of you that participated by contributing in person last night, or through online donations. The preliminary total so far is about $1000! Hopefully I will get the exact online numbers from Cedars sometime today or this weekend.

In addition to this amount, Cedars plan on a "matching" program whereby they will match the amount raised by those who either donated online or last night for amounts exceeding $10 a donation. As it turns out, this was the vast majority of you. From last night alone, that will amount to $643 (thanks to the guy that decided to make the odd donation of $13. You know who you are!).

I want to take a moment to appreciate all of you who came out for me last night. First, the bloggers. This isn't the first time you have come out to support me. You guys are incredible people, and I won't forget this.

Second, my assistants Suj, Colin and anyone else that manned the table. I had to "do the rounds" last night, and without you there would have been many a missed opportunity for fundraising.

Third, Krystal. Without you, none of this would have been able to take place. You are such a great friend. Event planning should be your sideline, if not your main occupation.

Fourth, the rest of the people that donated either in person or online. I cannot wait to show you the fruits of your assistance next year.

Last, but not least, Julie. Thank you for putting up with all of this. You've been wonderful. I hope I have not forgotten anyone.

I will have more news as the time draws closer to the event. In the meantime, rest up for the next Yulblog event happening next Wednesday, May 6.

It's good to have friends.