A documentary by University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher Ian Duncan and film director Steinar Hybertsen that follows multiple sclerosis (MS) patients striving to conquer the disease through Nordic skiing will air on Wisconsin Public Television on December 19.
“Multiple Sclerosis, The Vikings and Nordic Skiing” explores the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle, especially for those diagnosed with MS. It includes interviews with Duncan and other global researchers; with MS patients from Colorado, Iowa, Norway and Minnesota; and with six-time Olympic skiing medalist Vegard Ulvang. Footage from past American Birkebeiner events near Hayward, Wis., and Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride, an annual two-day cycling event from the Milwaukee area to Madison, is included.
FUNDING NEEDED TO FINISH FILM
Duncan and Hybertsen hope to show the film on other Public Television stations in the Midwest and Norway and at private screenings, plus enter it in film festivals in the U.S. and abroad. The documentary is nearly complete but needs $20,000 in additional funding to cover the remaining production expenses. A Kickstarter Campaign has been launched to raise the money, and “Multiple Sclerosis, The Vikings and Nordic Skiing” will be funded if at least $20,000 is pledged by 11 p.m. EST/10 p.m. CST on Nov. 6.
The minimum pledge for “Multiple Sclerosis, The Vikings and Nordic Skiing” is $1, with project creators offering rewards to thank backers for their support:
• Pledge $20 or more and receive a digital HD download of the film • Pledge $30 or more and receive a copy of the film on DVD
• A limited number of personalized posters of six-time Olympic medalist Vegard Ulvang or eight-time Olympic gold medalist Bjorn Daehlie, along with a digital HD download of the film, are available to those who pledge $75 or more.
More incentives include private screenings in Madison, Wis., Denver, Colo., and American Birkebeiner near Hayward, Wis., as well as the chance to be listed as an associate producer of the film. To learn more about the film, see a preview and support its fundraising campaign, visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1977834757/multiple-sclerosis-the-vikings-and-nordic-skiing