‘Dreams are coming true’: ‘Dream Boldly: The Grand AdvenChair’ film, featuring inventor Geoff Babb, to debut at COCC
(Update: adding video, comments from Geoff Babb and director Marcia Volk)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- "DREAM BOLDLY: The Grand AdvenChair" is a documentary film that's making its debut Friday evening at Central Oregon Community College.
The 48-minute documentary features the story of Bend adventurer, entrepreneur and disability advocate Geoff Babb and the effort that led to the creation of the AdvenChair.
Babb suffered a near-fatal brain stem stroke that left him in a wheelchair and with only limited use of one hand. While the stroke forever changed his ability to move, Babb created a different way to enjoy the outdoors.
"His incredible and infectious will to dream boldly made me want to do the same," film director Marcia Volk said of Babb. "It was always my dream to create a documentary, and now we’ve both realized huge dreams.”
The AdvenChair, Babb's invention, is an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair that lets people with disabilities get off the beaten path.
"We built this chair from the ground up," Babb said Wednesday. "We used mountain bike parts, mountain bike wheels, brakes and a seat from a sit-ski." Babb said.
In the film, he takes the wheelchair on a rigorous four-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon.
"After a stroke or some injury or illness, things will be different. But it doesn't mean you can't do things. You just have to find a different way to do them." Babb said. "Until you're really there, it's hard to imagine what it was like. I'm really excited to share that."
The documentary is currently in review by film festivals from coast to coast, and even the famous festival in Cannes, France.
"Thanks to Geoff, both of our dreams are coming true." Volk said.
The debut event takes place on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Wille Hall on COCC’s Bend campus and will feature a presentation and Q&A with the filmmakers and expedition team following the film. Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged to support the film.
The Oregon Outdoor Alliance and Stroke Awareness Oregon also will be attending, to share information about their organizations’ important work in Central Oregon.
