Mountain Hardwear

Chains of Habit

A personal film about Ted’s experience with depression and the role of the outdoors in his life.

Ted’s role: Producer · Co-director · On-camera subject
Project: Documentary / Mental health
Watch: 6:28
Recognition: Vimeo Staff Pick

The story

Being surrounded by extraordinary landscapes does not make someone immune to depression. In Chains of Habit, Ted shares his own experience of mental health and the place that climbing, running and time outside hold in his life. Created for Mountain Hardwear, the film makes space for a more open conversation about the struggles that can sit behind an adventurous life.

The work

Project origination and production
Co-direction and personal storytelling
On-camera subject and archive footage

Co-direction: Ted Hesser and Zeppelin Zeerip. Principal cinematography: Michael Brown. Interviews and additional footage: Zeppelin Zeerip. Edit: John Rodosky.

A personal story, told from both sides of the camera.

Ted originated and produced the project, contributed archive footage from earlier shoots, and brought together a crew to film him on the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup. He worked as co-director alongside Zeppelin Zeerip, while also becoming the subject of the film.

Mountain Hardwear · Expedition and campaign photography ↗Ben Rueck · The Only Way Out Is Through ↗

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