Fast Eddie

In preparation for a seemingly unachievable cycle trip, a filmmaker and her father attempt to find the joy amongst the grief that his life threatening diagnosis brings.

We need your support to tell this important story on Loading Docs’ award-winning short documentary platform.

THE FILM

Former life-of-the-party Eddie lost his joy with his diagnosis. His daughter wants to bring it back. Follow the journey of filmmaker Keely and her cyclist father as they prepare for their greatest adventure, to cycle the Lake Dunstan trail. However, four years ago Eddie was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a fatal neurological disease that has taken away his voice, mobility and quality of life.

Fast Eddie follows Keely and her dad as they laugh through the grief of his diagnosis and tackle the physical and emotional challenges that come with preparing for the final ride of your life.

Fast Eddie is a story for any family who has been affected by an illness. It shows that there are still humorous adventures to be had, no matter how heart-breaking the circumstances. 

Eddie could easily spend the last of his days sitting in his very comfortable lazy boy yet he has decided to do the hardest thing his body could possibly handle. If you or your family member were faced with the unthinkable would you be happy with the adventures you’ve had?

Join us by donating to this compelling short documentary.

WHY I WANT TO MAKE THIS FILM

My dad is a legend and I want to have a cracking time with him whilst making this film. He’s a kind, funny, supportive and incredibly loving man who has been dealt the worst hand. His wit and humour have made every one of life’s hurdles manageable and my family will be lost without him. He has cheered me on in all of my filmmaking adventures, so it only feels right for him to be the protagonist of my next film.

THE TARGET

As part of the Loading Docs initiative, we need to raise a minimum of $3,500 through Boosted. Your generous donations will help us cover the travel and accommodation costs to get Eddie, his family and our crew down to Lake Dunstan. They will help out with the cost of Eddie’s physical therapy in order to get him fit enough to go on this adventure. 

They will also help us get Eddie an electric recumbent trike to help him on his journey - and those things aren’t cheap! We would also like to ensure we can pay our crew, hire equipment and make this film look gorgeous in post-production.

Once we reach our minimum target of $3,500, it will unlock the funding from Loading Docs. But, this is an all or nothing campaign. If we don’t reach our target, we get nothing!  So please help us by donating and sharing this with your friends.

Loading Docs is an award-winning short documentary initiative to develop New Zealand filmmaking talent. Loading Docs is funded by NZ On Air with support from NZFC and Te Māngai Pāho.

THE TEAM

Keely, Isobelle and Virginia are a trio of writers, producers and filmmakers who love to tell comedic stories about the human experience. The team are also participating in this year's Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts NZFC initiative, and have a television show in the works.

We need your support to tell this story on Loading Docs’ award-winning platform to inspire everyone to appreciate their time with loved ones, give the middle finger to life’s hurdles and tackle every adventure while you can.  

Thanks, Keely, Isobelle and Virginia

THE FILMMAKERS

Keely Meechan (director) is an emerging writer and director from Tāmaki Makaurau. She won the Creative New Zealand Emerging Talent Award at the New Zealand International Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at Toronto’s ImagineNATIVE film festival for her Debut short film ‘Nancy From Now On.’ In both awards, she was commended for her use of common societal issues in Aotearoa to tell a relatable and compelling story. She plans to continue that pattern and use storytelling to expose the good, bad and ugly of life in Aotearoa.

Virginia Wickham (producer) currently lives in Auckland and works as a production coordinator on Amazon’s Lord of the Rings. She has worked in the film industry in both New Zealand and Los Angeles for the past eight years. Her first project was as the writer, co-creator and producer of the web series ‘Capital Culture’ in 2014. She has also co-written several short films with the production company, Couch Kumara.

Isobelle Walton (producer) has several years of local and international experience as a producer. After returning from London in 2018, Izzy joined the production company Kevin and Co where she worked on a variety of shows and Produced series Frickin Dangerous Bro. Currently she is working as a Story Producer for Imagination TV. She is passionate about working with and growing alongside a creative and dynamic team to create engaging content and prides herself in making mountains out of molehills. She has also created, written and produced the comedy web series, Capital Culture.