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.