Full Breakdown
Paul Bikis Premieres "ADAPTED" at Durango Independent Film Festival
2/27/2026, 12:24:20 PM
Overview of the Film and Its Inspiration
Filmmaker Paul Bikis, a Durango native and member of the Durango High School Class of 2012, will showcase his documentary "ADAPTED" at the Durango Independent Film Festival from March 4-8, 2023. The film is inspired by his experiences caring for his mother, who suffered from Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a degenerative cognitive illness. During this time, Bikis recognized the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing the outdoors, motivating him to create a narrative centered on inclusivity and the importance of outdoor activities.
Key Figures and Stories
"ADAPTED" features three main subjects: Josh Hancock, Anna Soens, and Danielle Doelling, all of whom are paralyzed due to traumatic spinal-cord injuries. The film documents Hancock's adaptive rafting journey down the Salmon River in Idaho, Soens' attempt to become the first paraplegic athlete to summit Mount Baker in Washington, and Doelling's training to handcycle 87 miles across the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. Bikis met these athletes through Michael “Hawkeye” Johnson of the GoHawkeye Foundation, which focuses on adaptive sports.
Production Challenges and Goals
The production of "ADAPTED" spanned seven years, during which Bikis faced significant challenges, including financing, logistical issues related to filming in various extreme locations, and the editing of over 200 hours of footage into a cohesive 90-minute film. Bikis aims for the film to educate and empower audiences, fostering inclusivity within the disability community by showcasing the resilience and achievements of the featured athletes. He believes that increased visibility of individuals with disabilities engaging in adventurous activities can help normalize their experiences.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Bikis expressed his excitement about returning to Durango for the film festival, stating, “It’s like the home theater. It’s like the home stage... and that feels really meaningful.” Following the festival, he plans to embark on a screening tour over the next two years while continuing his commercial work and starting a new documentary focused on conservation in southern Utah.
Criticism and Opposition
While the film has been well-received, some critics may argue that the portrayal of athletes with disabilities can sometimes lean towards inspiration porn, where their achievements are framed primarily as motivational for able-bodied viewers. Bikis, however, emphasizes the importance of normalizing the presence of individuals with disabilities in adventurous contexts rather than solely presenting them as inspirational figures.
What's Next
"ADAPTED" is set to screen at various venues during the Durango Independent Film Festival, with tickets available for multiple showings. Following the festival, Bikis will engage in a two-year screening tour to further promote the film and its message of inclusivity in outdoor activities.
