When Hope Breaks Through

‘When Hope Breaks Through’ by Director Matthew Wagner is the inspiring story of Mike Shoreman, who was diagnosed with a neurological condition that left him paralyzed, with vertigo, hearing loss and vision challenges, ultimately leading to depression and a mental health breakdown. The film explores the mental health crisis and our relationships with our own mental health as it immerses the audience in Mike’s epic five crossings of the Great Lakes, encompassing over 300 kilometers of open water paddling with his dedicated crossings team. Together these strangers come together and form an inseparable bond as they face and conquer obstacles from boats breaking down, medical emergencies to hallucinations and everything in between.

Accolades

2020- Winner, Speaker Slam: North America’s Largest Inspirational Speech Competition

2020- International Stand Up Paddleboarding Man of the Year, SUP Connect

2022- Inducted, Diversability, D30 International Disability Impact List

2022- Hansard, Ontario Legislative Assembly of Ontario

2022- Hansard, House of Commons

2022- Mark Starzynski Mental Health Leadership Award Recipient, Mood Disorder Society of Canada

2022- Recognized by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

2023- Honorary Diploma Recipient, Loyalist College

2023- Official Selection, ‘When Hope Breaks Through’, Docs Without Borders International Film Festival

2023- Official Selection, ‘When Hope Breaks Through’, Crowne International Film Festival

2023- Official Selection, ‘When Hope Breaks Through’, Cannes World Film Festival

2023- Official Selection, ‘When Hope Breaks Through’, Soo International Film Festival

Trailer

When Hope Breaks Through

Directed by Matthew Wagner Films

Cinematography: Matthew Wagner, Joe Matteson, Andrew Sorlie

Runtime: 1h 40m USA/ 2023

Release Date: August 2023

Let’s do something amazing together!

Mike is on a mission to help your audience achieve their greatest potential, through actionable steps in overcoming personal and professional obstacles and setbacks.