THROUGH THESE CROSSINGS

"Through These Crossings" is an extraordinary testament to human resilience, a deeply moving and exquisitely crafted short documentary that transcends the boundaries of personal triumph to touch on universal truths about transformation, connection, and purpose. Directed by Henry Gosper and Cameron Trafford, the film takes us into the life of Michael—a Melbourne man who defied both medical odds and the limits of his own body after a near-fatal accident left him paralysed. Told he would never walk again, Michael’s story is not just about defying gravity on a rock face; it’s about reclaiming the self and rediscovering life’s poetry.

From the moment the film begins, the cinematography lures you into Michael's world, pairing stark yet beautiful visuals of his arduous recovery with the breathtaking majesty of the Grampians. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for the steep emotional terrain Michael must navigate. The climb is literal, yes, but it’s also spiritual. Each movement on the rock face mirrors the incremental victories of a man who once thought he’d never feel his toes twitch again.

The narrative itself is as gripping as any feature-length drama. The directors weave Michael’s past and present together seamlessly, allowing us to experience the fragility of his former life and the profound strength of his current one. And yet, what makes "Through These Crossings" so impactful is its humility. It never veers into the cloying sentimentalism often associated with such stories. Instead, it honours the grit, the setbacks, and the quiet determination that recovery demands.

Michael’s journey is not solitary, and the filmmakers deftly spotlight the community that rallies around him. From the supportive climbing partners to his eventual mentorship of a young boy with a disability, the film underlines the interdependence of human lives. It is this shift—from inward healing to outward giving—that forms the emotional core of the story. By helping others transcend their own perceived limits, Michael’s transformation reaches a crescendo of meaning.

There’s a palpable sincerity to the filmmakers’ approach, a sense that they, too, are climbing alongside Michael, exploring what it means to face life’s immovable obstacles. Their background in working with young people with disabilities lends the film an authenticity that elevates it beyond just one man’s tale. It’s a celebration of courage—not just the kind that scales mountains but the kind that wakes up every day to an uphill battle.

At just 11 minutes, "Through These Crossings" achieves the rare feat of feeling both expansive and intimate. It leaves you not only in awe of Michael’s strength but also questioning your own capacity for growth. How many of us carry mountains within us? And how many are willing to climb them? This film, with its raw humanity and lyrical beauty, doesn’t just provide an answer. It dares us to look for one.