People of Determination
Documentary
Change Your Mindset
Rustin's Story
Fighters in all of us
Rustin Hughes experiences loss on a scale that would break most. He decides not to be a victim, and at 50 years old, starts competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments internationally and builds a community of fighters; changing mindsets.
US TOURNAMENTS
TRAINING & COMMUNITY
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS
About Rustin
51 years old, Veteran, Amputee, Husband, Father, Award-Winning Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt, B-Bold Coach
Rustin competes internationally as a black belt in jiu-jitsu against all competitors, able bodied, and those with disabilities.
After he lost his leg and his first wife to brain cancer, he decided to not be a victim.
When he isn't competing or training, he teaches a fitness class for all disabilities, giving people a way to gain confidence, be self reliant, and be part of a community.
Rustin's story and changing the victim mentality
This documentary is about Rustin's life following his leg amputation. He refused to be a victim of his circumstances and let others tell him how the rest of his life was going to be. This film follows his 2023 & 2024 jiu-jitsu competitions, his hand built "B-Bold" training clinic for those with disabilities, and how he wants to inspire others to take back their life with a positive mindset. You will hear what it's like to be in his classes and how they have changed lives. Our goal with this film is to show you that anything is possible and hopefully change the mindset around how disabilities are treated and reacted to.
ST0RYTELLING STYLE
Interview style
Story will be told from the individuals directly influencing the events. No narration, only those in the story will be speaking.
FILMING TECHNIQUE
The film had been shot in a vérité format for most scenes, leaving scenes unfold as they naturally would. We have a few structured scenes to clarify story beats and add interesting imagery.
AUDIENCE
Our Audience is people with disabilities, veterans, those who enjoy jiu-jitsu, and those looking for an inspiring story
Meet the Crew
From Fort Collins, Colorado
Director & DP
Grayson Reed
Veteran, Award-winning documentary filmmaker
Started by filming his third deployment to Afghanistan. Currently works as contractor for multiple marketing agencies and travels to film for corporate documentaries like "All Access" with Andy Garcia on PTV, and more.
Recently won the ARC Film Festival of Larimer County for a Documentary about a filmmaker with Down Syndrome.
Executive Producer and Co-Director
James Merkley
Film Producer and Marketing Agency Director
James was born and raised in Colorado and has deep roots in the Northern Colorado community. He and his wife of 8 years, Erin Merkley love driving through the mountains, exploring new restaurants, and experiencing all that Colorado has to offer. They now get to do all of that with their 8-month-old son, Ander and they love getting to make new memories as a small family. James is passionate about business ownership and helping produce dynamic and powerful stories around the world.
Producer & Camera Operator
Micah Baird
Veteran, Commercial Videographer
Films for multiple non-profit organizations and veteran programs to spread the word about helpful services.
Sound Engineer
Elliot Nihil
Studio Owner and Sound Engineer
Started his own studio, recording and producing for traveling bands and artists. He mixes audio professionally for short films and helps build their soundscape.
Ways to Support the Documentary
Support Packages
Help sponsor the documentary by reaching out to our Executive Producer, James Merkley
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These donation directly supports the film, if you would like to support Rustins B-Bold program Go to his webpage here: https://www.bboldadaptiveliving.com/
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