What makes this film possible is trust. Johannes not only faces the camera, but also my critical questions – as a friend and filmmaker.
This film will not provide easy answers; it will stir things up, ask questions, spark discussions and change perspectives.
I see myself as an empathetic companion and creative sounding board. His passion, his family circumstances, his development – he inspires me, even with his uncomfortable manner. Johnny is a paradox that I want to get to the bottom of as a filmmaker.
We have 30 days of shooting behind us, hundreds of hours of raw material on the hard drives, four months of post-production ahead of us – now we want to finish this film. To do that, we need your help."
Film Production
Pushing boundaries – simply being human
Social funding for film production – with your help, we can make a blockbuster!
"I'm Johnny. Johannes Grasser – athlete, speaker, activist. I live with tetraplegia, but even more so with attitude. I should really be in a wheelchair, but I go my own way – uncomfortable and loud. I'm genuine, non-conformist. I believe that courage is contagious."
With this handicap I should actually be permanently dependent on a wheelchair and 24/7 care. And doing sports - not even conceivable! But because I don't want to be told how I and my body should be, I break up stereotypes here too.
I try out every possible kind of sport and challenge in life, train for several hours a day and simply don't let anything get me down.
With this handicap I should actually be permanently dependent on a wheelchair and 24/7 care. And doing sports - not even conceivable! But because I don't want to be told how I and my body should be, I break up stereotypes here too.
I try out every possible kind of sport and challenge in life, train for several hours a day and simply don't let anything get me down.
What makes Johnny tick? His energy is infectious. That motivation... I need it!
Tanja Hohmann - Physiotherapy trainer, 2021
About the making of the film: Portraying Johannes is an imposition – and a gift.
Simon Spädtke, Direction 2025
Simon Spädtke: "Our encounter was not a coincidence, but it wasn't planned either. Johnny and I got to know each other through mutual friends – people who support him in his everyday life. We understood each other immediately, in a direct, almost brutal way. I tend to get to know people deeply very quickly. Johnny fascinated me from the start. At the same time, I questioned him: his nature, his principles, his way of going through life. His passion, his family circumstances, his development – he inspires me, even with his uncomfortable manner. Johnny is a paradox that I want to get to the bottom of as a filmmaker. What makes this film possible is trust. Johannes not only faces the camera, but also me. Authentic, honest. The film is real. And it looks where it hurts.
The climb up Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio was our first joint project. But actually, this film was created long before that – through exchange, friction, and taking each other seriously. Our visions rarely differ. We are friends. And we are telling this story together."
The climb up Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio was our first joint project. But actually, this film was created long before that – through exchange, friction, and taking each other seriously. Our visions rarely differ. We are friends. And we are telling this story together."
Donate now and help us produce the film
What do we need the money for?
Concept / dramaturgical development
Editing
Music composition
Colour grading
Sound mixing / sound design
Title design / artwork
Production management
Film distribution
Legal advice
Accompanying social media campaign
Concept / dramaturgical development
Editing
Music composition
Colour grading
Sound mixing / sound design
Title design / artwork
Production management
Film distribution
Legal advice
Accompanying social media campaign
Donate now
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