A deeply human documentary about Dr. Rick Bedlack, ALS patients, and the search for hope and healing.
Stitching Strength
Client
Original Documentary
Client
Original Documentary
Client
Original Documentary
Services
Original Films
Services
Original Films
Services
Original Films
Style
Human Stories
Style
Human Stories
Style
Human Stories
Focus
Fashion, Hope, & Science
Focus
Fashion, Hope, & Science
Focus
Fashion, Hope, & Science
Project Overview
Stitching Strength is an original feature-length documentary from GlassFire that explores the life and work of Dr. Richard Bedlack, a world-renowned ALS researcher, and the powerful stories of the patients, families, and communities shaped by his mission. Told with intimacy, humor, and humanity, the film brings a fresh perspective to a disease often viewed only through the lens of loss.
The story is not just about medicine. It’s about people fighting for hope, redefining what's possible, and creating beauty in the face of the unknown.
Production Approach
Shot over the course of 6 months, the documentary spans a wide range of locations and voices—from clinical trials and home visits to creative collaborations and moments of private reflection. We conducted more than a dozen interviews with patients and families, each woven together to give a fuller, more human picture of the ALS experience.
This project was deeply personal. Our team handled every stage of production in-house, from directing and cinematography to sound, editing, and story structure. We filmed with small crews to keep the space comfortable and open, often working with minimal lighting and available environments to preserve authenticity while still delivering cinematic images.
Visual and Narrative Style
The film moves between grounded vérité moments and poetic visual interludes. We incorporated handheld and slider-based camera work to keep the visual language fluid and immersive. Scenes range from quiet interior conversations to large public events, always returning to the emotional core of each subject.
The score blends original music with curated tracks, creating an emotional framework that never overwhelms the voices at the center of the film. Every stylistic decision—from color grading to pacing—was made to serve the story with honesty and care.
Outcome
Stitching Strength is not a film about a disease. It's a film about courage, creativity, and human connection. It premiered at a pre-release screening hosted by The Hummingbird Society in Charlottesville, with more screenings and festival submissions planned throughout the year.
This is one of the most personal projects we’ve ever made, and it reflects the kind of storytelling we believe in—intimate, character-driven, and made with intention at every step.
Learn more at www.stitchingstrength.com
Project Overview
Stitching Strength is an original feature-length documentary from GlassFire that explores the life and work of Dr. Richard Bedlack, a world-renowned ALS researcher, and the powerful stories of the patients, families, and communities shaped by his mission. Told with intimacy, humor, and humanity, the film brings a fresh perspective to a disease often viewed only through the lens of loss.
The story is not just about medicine. It’s about people fighting for hope, redefining what's possible, and creating beauty in the face of the unknown.
Production Approach
Shot over the course of 6 months, the documentary spans a wide range of locations and voices—from clinical trials and home visits to creative collaborations and moments of private reflection. We conducted more than a dozen interviews with patients and families, each woven together to give a fuller, more human picture of the ALS experience.
This project was deeply personal. Our team handled every stage of production in-house, from directing and cinematography to sound, editing, and story structure. We filmed with small crews to keep the space comfortable and open, often working with minimal lighting and available environments to preserve authenticity while still delivering cinematic images.
Visual and Narrative Style
The film moves between grounded vérité moments and poetic visual interludes. We incorporated handheld and slider-based camera work to keep the visual language fluid and immersive. Scenes range from quiet interior conversations to large public events, always returning to the emotional core of each subject.
The score blends original music with curated tracks, creating an emotional framework that never overwhelms the voices at the center of the film. Every stylistic decision—from color grading to pacing—was made to serve the story with honesty and care.
Outcome
Stitching Strength is not a film about a disease. It's a film about courage, creativity, and human connection. It premiered at a pre-release screening hosted by The Hummingbird Society in Charlottesville, with more screenings and festival submissions planned throughout the year.
This is one of the most personal projects we’ve ever made, and it reflects the kind of storytelling we believe in—intimate, character-driven, and made with intention at every step.
Learn more at www.stitchingstrength.com