Why These Stories Matter
Film has the unique power to illuminate the human experience, foster empathy, and challenge perceptions. The documentaries and films featured here do more than tell stories—they invite audiences into the lives of remarkable individuals who are redefining what it means to live with vision loss.
These filmmakers and subjects are members of the Foundation Fighting Blindness community, each navigating their journey with blinding diseases including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Stargardt disease. Through their courage to share their experiences on screen, they raise awareness and inspire hope as we work toward our mission: driving the research that leads to preventions, treatments, and cures for blinding diseases.
These films showcase resilience, creativity, and the indomitable human spirit. They remind us that vision loss is just one part of a much larger, richer story of adventure, growth, artistry, and connection.
Looking Up
About the Film
"Looking Up" shares the remarkable story of Eitan Arman and explores how he has channeled his experience with RP into advocacy, mentorship, and research. The film also features Foundation Board Member Robert Heidenberg, highlighting the interconnected community working toward treatments and cures for blinding diseases.
Meet Eitan Arman
Eitan Arman is a veteran IDF paratrooper who served as a sharpshooter and was named the outstanding soldier of his company. Following his diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa and medical discharge from the military, Eitan enrolled at Columbia University, where he studied neuropsychology. As a Phi Beta Kappa honors graduate and Rhodes Scholar finalist, Eitan has applied insights from his own patient experience and positive psychology research to raise awareness about RP and emerging treatments.
Today, Eitan works as a financial analyst covering healthcare services companies and serves as a mentor to others with visual impairments. As a member of the Foundation Fighting Blindness Strategic Council, he continues to contribute his expertise and lived experience to advance the organization's mission of driving the research that leads to preventions, treatments, and cures for blinding diseases.
Discover More
- Watch the film trailer.
- Learn more about Eitan's story.
Touching the Sky
About the Film
"Touching the Sky" brings audiences into the world of acroyoga through the eyes of someone experiencing vision loss. The film recently debuted to overwhelming acclaim at the Napa Valley StreamFest film festival, where it "brought the house down." This inspiring documentary showcases how physical expression, trust, and partnership transcend visual limitations.
Meet Chris Jeckel
Chris Jeckel is an acroyoga instructor who has found innovative ways to share his passion despite living with retinal blindness. Chris teaches acroyoga to blind community members, demonstrating that physical activities requiring balance and coordination are absolutely achievable. He also teaches blindfolded acroyoga to sighted individuals, creating a bridge of understanding and empathy while building trust and promoting exercise. Chris has shared his work at Foundation Fighting Blindness events in San Francisco and Seattle, inspiring audiences with his unique approach to building community and advancing blind wellbeing.
Discover More
- Watch the film trailer.
- Learn more about Chris' story.
Eyes on the Horizon
About the Film
"Eyes on the Horizon" follows the transformative journey of Mike Bowen, a man who left behind conventional stability in Tennessee to pursue true fulfillment as a van-dwelling photojournalist in Oregon. This documentary chronicles Mike's journey of healing from mental health challenges and alcohol use, which takes an unexpected turn when he receives a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa—an inherited eye disease that will gradually take his sight. Rather than retreat, Mike chooses to confront his past, process an uncertain future, and embrace happiness through three epic cross-country trips over three years. The film captures his second and third journeys after completing the TransAmerica Trail by bike, documenting how he faces the looming threat of blindness while pursuing adventure and self-discovery.
Meet Mike Bowen
Mike Bowen is a photographer and adventurer in his 30s who made the bold choice to redefine his life on his own terms. Facing the dual challenges of personal healing and vision loss, Mike has chosen to live with intention and courage. His story demonstrates that a diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of dreams—it can be the catalyst for pursuing what matters most. Through cross-country biking expeditions and his work as a photojournalist, Mike continues to document the world around him while grappling with the reality that his ability to see it is changing.
Discover More
- Watch the film trailer.
- Learn more about Mike's story.
The Film I'll Never See
About the Film
BBC's acclaimed Our Lives documentary strand presents "The Film I'll Never See," a deeply moving and thought-provoking portrait of Dave Steele—a husband, father, and spoken word artist known as The Blind Poet. Produced by ITV Signpost and directed by award-winning filmmaker Matt Hopkins, this powerful documentary chronicles Dave's journey through the final stages of losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa, a rare, degenerative eye condition. The film captures both the profound challenges and unexpected moments of beauty in Dave's experience.
Meet Dave Steele
Dave Steele is an award-winning poet, author, speaker, singer, and advocate for the blind. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2014, this genetic eye condition left Dave "severely sight impaired." Rather than let vision loss silence his voice, Dave has become known as The Blind Poet, using spoken word artistry to share his experience and advocate for the blind community. His work combines vulnerability with strength, offering audiences an intimate look at what it means to navigate a world increasingly experienced through senses other than sight.
Discover More
- Watch the film.
- Learn more about Dave's story.
Seeing Stars
About the Film
"Seeing Stars" showcases the artistry and resilience of Ellen Gould as she continues her groundbreaking work in solo musical theater while navigating vision changes. The film explores how Ellen's creative expression has evolved and remained powerful throughout her journey.
Meet Ellen Gould
Ellen Gould is a double Emmy Award-winning writer and performer of solo musicals. Diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that affects central vision, Ellen has continued to create powerful, moving theatrical experiences. Inspired by artists like Spalding Gray, John Leguizamo, and Anna Deavere Smith, Ellen is recognized as one of the first writer/performers to extend solo theater into the musical realm.
She is perhaps best known for "BUBBE MEISES, BUBBE STORIES," a musical about the immigrant experience that opened to critical acclaim Off-Broadway. The made-for-television adaptation aired on PBS and won Ellen two Emmy Awards for her work as both writer and performer. Throughout her career, Ellen has demonstrated that visual impairment does not diminish artistic vision or the power to move audiences through storytelling and music.
Discover More
- Watch the film trailer.
- Learn more about Ellen's story.
