Face of Adversity chronicles 20-year-old Jesse Telfer’s three-week ICU stay as he battles a life-threatening respiratory infection. The documentary focuses on his physical and emotional struggles, highlighting his resilience, personal growth, and the supportive role of his family in helping him persevere.
The crew and cast spent the day filming hospital reenactments, truly capturing the essence of Jesse’s experience in the ICU.
Special thank you to KIC studios @kic_studios and Ray @rayt_visual for letting us use your space to film the interview segments for the documentary!
Locations
Day 1 Location used for hospitial re-enactments
Day 2 location used for interviews subjects.
Special thank you to KIC studios @kic_studios and Ray @rayt_visual for letting us use your space to film the interview segments for the documentary!
One year ago today, on December 2nd, I was admitted to the ICU. At that time, I had no idea what the future held. Today, I’m here sharing the story of my journey—a place for me to reflect and offer a glimpse into my experience.
Since being discharged from the hospital, I’ve wanted to become an advocate for respiratory health. What better way to begin this journey than by telling my story through the medium I love—film, a language in which I pour my heart and soul. Telling this story was difficult, not only from my own perspective but also from my parents' point of view. That week was a whirlwind of chaos and emotional strain for them, and it was tough to ask them to relive those moments. I am beyond grateful to my parents for sharing their side of the story and shedding light on their experiences.
Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown over the past year. What once seemed impossible now feels like a testament to my resilience. I feel more confident than ever that I can push through whatever challenges lie ahead.
I want to thank everyone who helped make Face of Adversity possible. Without your positive attitude, hard work, and dedication, this wouldn’t have come to fruition. This has been one of my most rewarding filmmaking experiences, made all the more special by such an incredible team. Each of you has played a crucial role in helping me amplify my voice on an issue that is close to my heart—lung health. For that, I am deeply grateful.
I wanted to work on this project because of the content of the story. Jesse had told me his story months prior to pitching this documentary, and his perseverance, was inspiring.
I wanted to be a part of this project as soon as Jesse told me about it last summer. I was excited to bring his vision to life through visuals and grateful to get the opportunity to help tell such a personal story.
What drew me to working on this project was the impactful story being told and the ways that everyone is hoping to tell them.
I joined this project because I knew how deeply personal and important it was for Jesse to share his story. Beyond supporting Jesse's vision and his experience in the ICU, I was drawn to this documentary by the opportunity to explore experimental editing techniques, pushing creative boundaries in ways that would enhance the film’s impact.
What drew me to this project was the opportunity to illuminate the incredible resilience that people facing medical crises show everyday, and the message that hope can help us get through even the most difficult challenges.
I love working on sets with close friends that I know have the same hard working passion as me. Jesse’s struggles and journey is incredibly inspiring to me, seeing him overcome something so life changing is eye opening for me. His resilience reminds me why I love what I do, and having him and other friends around makes the work so much easier to handle. There’s something really special about sharing in each other’s growth and successes, and it makes every moment on set that much more meaningful.
What drew me to this project was the opportunity to explore the experience of someone who went through this struggle and recreating it from a sonic perspective.
I was drawn to work on this story because I am inspired by true stories of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. I believe this documentary will not only provide a meaningful platform to share such an impactful story, but also inspire and empower others facing adversity. I’m so honoured and excited for the opportunity to be part of this amazing team.
I have worked with several of the crew members previously and enjoyed the comfortable and professional environment they created. Working on this production, It is good experience for me, and a good opportunity to do makeup that I will be able to add to my portfolio.I was able to get a good feel of a day on a film set
I witnessed Jesse's experience first hand while living with him during second year. I saw the stress it brought upon him, his friends, and his family. I'm honoured to be a part of telling his powerful story through his own eyes.
I always find stories about medicine and healthcare to be fascinating, the human body and its inner workings are so interesting.
I wanted to work on this project to support my boy Jesse. It was a huge scare when I heard Jesse was in the hospital and I missed him when he wasn't in class. I knew how personal this story would be to tell so I wanted to support him with the making of this project no matter what.
I remember when Jesse was missing a bunch of classes last year, and it blew my mind when I found out why. The thought of being unconscious for as long as he was is terrifying to me. Now that the whole thing is in the past and he's alright, I look forward to being a part of this project and helping him tell his story.
i’m good friends with jesse and when he told me he is doing a doc on his personal experience I was excited to work with him on it and help capture the fun and amazing times on set.
I heard Jesse’s story earlier this year and was really moved; his strength and resilience while fighting pneumonia in the ICU is a story everyone should hear. Being able to help Jesse tell his story through different social platforms and reach audiences is why I was drawn to working on this project!
I like editing and find it enjoyable and relaxing. I saw that an editing position was available and took it.
