A FILM BY MICHAEL HANCOCK
WOLF IN
HIS BELLY
A two-time cancer survivor reflects how the art of Aikido serves as a lifeline in processing mental and physical recovery
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
A film by Michael Hancock, WOLF IN HIS BELLY has exceeded expectations on the international film-fest circuit in the ‘Short Documentary’ category. Viewed by thousands of people and juries in over 30 countries, it’s been selected by 100+ film festivals and achieved over 40 wins (LA, NY, London, Paris, Vancouver, etc etc), plus Eastern Europe, India and Asia, and ‘Best Short Documentary’ at Cannes Shorts! 100% of all revenue is donated to fuckcancer.org
Film link: https://youtu.be/LWgXGaDT-iQ
SYNOPSIS
A young man’s insatiable appetite for Aikido practice spans 50 years. Now an old man reflects on the initial spark, how it became a thread through life he came to trust, a continuous study, and discovers a truth that begins and ends within.
In the words of his most pivotal teacher, “There is nothing more perfect than nature. It has no muscles and no physicality. We must copy it. Everything else is bollocks.”
This is the basis for training, a labor of love… to learn about ourselves, to connect. The reasons why Aikido is vital to his existence are explored and openly shared, through cancers, through darkness, and recovery against the backdrop of limited mortality. It’s a powerful sense of presence, and a little taste of freedom.
FILMMAKERS
OLUWASEYI THOMAS
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Oluwaseyi Thomas, “OT”, is deeply passionate about all things film. His major strength is his ability to think beyond ‘great visuals’, and managing teams in collaborative environments. As a Creative Director, he enjoys being an active part in the writing and pitch process, because he believes early understanding from pre-production is key for an effective DP. OT’s love for photography has greatly influenced his proficiency in both the world of motion pictures and still photography. Graduating from Full Sail University in Florida with a Bachelor's in Film and a Master's in Entertainment Business, he relishes working with inspiring people in collaborative environments, on narrative films, music videos, commercials, and branded content films.
HERB MAXIMO
CAMERA OPERATOR & COLORIST
Herb Maximo is an Emmy Award Winner in Orlando, Florida. His tendency of using parallax camera movements and shallow depth of field is what gives his pieces a signature look. Combine the composition and color grading of photography with the patience and storytelling of a filmmaker and you have Herb Maximo’s cinematography. The fast paced nature of his cinematography gives a unique and exciting perception that captivates, while also bringing attention to detail. Also a fashion and lifestyle cinematographer, Herb started his journey in content-creation. A passion for music became a career in music photography, where he photographed everyone from pop culture’s biggest stars to small town local legends.
ADRIAN CABRERA
VO SOUND ENGINEER
An Ecuadorian music producer, Adrian specializes in sound production and audio engineering, working in film and with independent artists such as, Sizzla, Ichika Nito, Ana Mancebo, Tim Henson (Polyphia), Zaytoven, and with upcoming bands such as Real Like You, from the United Kingdom. His passion for music began in the church where he taught himself guitar by watching youtube videos, then touring with his band. After working with a diverse set of mediums, he then enrolled into a Recording Arts program to pursue his dreams as an audio engineer, and as an intern at Orlando Disney’s Recording Studios, Adrian knew he wanted to explore his talents and pursue a career in a field he is truly dedicated and passionate about.
DYLAN GRAHAM
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Having toured much of the world as a photographer, stage manager, and lighting designer for some of the most influential bands in contemporary music, Dylan says he feels at his best when he’s creating. Having written and produced records, his desire for the creative process as a whole is evident. The diversity of his experience has shown him that every project and opportunity is totally unique. Dylan’s proven experience and knowledge of being around the set with lights, props, equipment, and the way he handles it all shows his energy and passion for the industry.
