“Smiling for Smiddy – A Journey of Friends”, a documentary telling the unique stories of a group of people cycling from Brisbane to Townsville in memory of a lost mate, has just picked up an award for excellence.
Winning Best Documentary at the 2010 Queensland Multi Media Awards, the documentary tells the stories of 50 cyclists who took part in the 2009 eight-day Smiling for Smiddy ride, from Brisbane to Townsville.
Reflected Image PRoductions filmmaker Ryan Early credits the win to the stories of all the people involved.
“It is the willingness of everyone involved to share their very personal stories that made the documentary such a success,” Ryan said.
Ryan, who is now post-producing a new documentary about the 2010 ride, said Smiling for Smiddy was an important charity made up of amazing people, formed in memory of Adam Smiddy, who died aged 26 in 2006.
“In its four year history, Smiling for Smiddy has raised more than $1.5million for cancer research, with the 2009 ride raising more than $500,000.”
The Queensland Multi Media Awards recognise excellence in print, television, radio and multi-media. Judged by industry professionals from Sydney and Melbourne, the film took out the award against some stiff competition including Win TV Rockhampton’s ‘Qld on Fire’ and Wild Cam Australia’s ‘Life Beneath Canopy’.
“To me, what made the final result unique was the fact that people spoke so openly about their personal motivations to do the ride, and their experiences with cancer,” Ryan said.
Even the films soundtrack was inspired by the ride an original soundtrack created inspired by the song Journey of Friends which was a collaboration between Award winning singer songwriter Mishelle Bradford Jones, Peter Koppes from legendary Australian band ‘The Church’ and Ryan Early, who penned some of the lyrics while filming the ride.
“We are proud that Journey of Friends helped Smiling for Smiddy raise funds for cancer research and are looking forward to having the new “Smiling for Smiddy – The Long Road” documentary of the 2010 ride ready for viewing soon,” Ryan said.
For more information about Smiling for Smiddy visit their website. You can also view a clip of the documentary below:
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/8054311[/vimeo]
