Inspiring 'Armed for the Challenge' wins Fallbrook Film Fest award

Patricia Thio and Kent Allison of Fallbrook have joined forces and created an inspirational documentary film. “Armed for the Challenge” is a 21-minute film which screened at the Mission Theatre during the Fallbrook Film Festival.

Taking festival honors as “Best Documentary Short,” the film highlights a week in the life of athlete Willie Stewart as he trains to compete in the Physically Challenged Triathlon USA Championships held in New York City. The challenge included a 1.5K swim, 40K bicycle course and 10K run.

More than 25 years ago Stewart lost his arm in an industrial accident. He was only 18 and had been the Virginia State Wrestling Champion. It was a devastating blow to such a young and accomplished athlete.

The film chronicles Stewart’s physical and mental struggles as he trains as an amputee. However, the triumphs are the real inspiration. Some of Stewart’s triumphs would seem insignificant to those with two working arms. The film illustrated how proud Stewart was of the accomplishment as he completes the task of tying his own shoes. Stewart mentioned how the “old Willie was gone” and now people are treating him “differently.”

The film also highlights the “PossAbilities” program developed by the Loma Linda University East Campus of which Willie Stewart is the director. The program’s goal is to help to integrate disabled individuals into the community, working through social, educational and spiritual avenues.

The theme for the film is “Disability does not mean inability.” Stewart proves this over and over as his continues to garner awards. He has won 15 national skiing championships, including a Nordic Relay silver medal in the 2002 Para-Olympic Games. He has also won three World Triathlon Championships.

This film is not Patricia Thio’s first experience with documentaries. She produced “Footsteps of the Unknown” about the struggle of the Ethiopians. Through her films, Thio succeeds in inspiring and motivating, whether it is interest in the plight of the Ethiopians or an inspiring chronicle of a physically challenged athlete. Having seen both of her films I am hoping for another. She writes and produces as well as directs and learned to do so at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Fallbrook native Kent Allison is the co-director of the film as well as cinematographer. A graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in television production, he has produced commercial and music videos as well.

Screenings of the film will help generate funds for the “PossAbilities” program.

A screening and program which includes a presentation by Willie Stewart is available. For further information contact Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus at (877) 558-624 8 or access the Web site http://www.armedforthechallenge.com.

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