Overview
The Space Between follows the journey of Gunnar Plake, an artist and 68-year sufferer of ADHD, from his turbulent childhood, through a life of limitations and structure, and finally to a place of solace: motion photography and his muse, The Grand Canyon. For Gunnar, photographing the vast natural landscapes helps him focus, and the time spent in the magnificence of this natural wonder grounds him. He has found the gift in his condition, the hyperfocus that allows him to expand time and in the last quarter of his life, live in the creativity of ‘the space between’. From this vantage point, Gunnar looks to the next generation of children with hope for their bright futures.
In our world of accelerated change, between one and three children in each classroom is ‘diagnosed’ with ADHD. They are the “Trouble Makers”, the “Class Clowns” and “Day Dreamers.” They are labeled early and suffer the consequences of both their condition and the reactions from those around them. Those with ADHD often share ‘symptoms’ with those who are labeled ‘Creatives’. Yet their lives often take very different paths. What differentiates those individuals who use their rapid ideation to create, from those who are ‘disruptive’ and ‘unproductive’? Is it a genetic difference or is it the lack of training, support and opportunity to express their energies and ideas in some creative mode? If we encourage those with ADHD to channel their energy, they too can use their unique way of experiencing the world to expand how everyone else sees it.
The Space Between talks with the leading psychiatrists, neurologists, theologians, behaviorists and scholars about the connection between ADHD and Creativity. The Space Between will explore the vast wealth of cutting edge information, culling it into an educational outpouring helping parents, children and adult with ADHD find hope.
About the Filmmakers
Director/Filmmaker: R.J. Joseph, an independent filmmaker of Cree heritage, grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His 20-year career in film began as an actor and stuntman in such well-known pieces as Thunderheart, Iron Will and Desperado. He then became intrigued with directing, working with legends of the industry like Woody Allen, Charles Haid, Michael Apted and Sam Sheppard. R.J. is dedicated to telling the stories that need to be told and sharing the voices of those who are underrepresented. He has the rare gift of uncovering the essence of a person or an issue and capturing their spirit on film. RJ is currently living in Los Angeles, CA, is in production on documentaries profiling such notaries as political prisoner, Leonard Paltier and Jay Landesman, last of the Beat writers; and is now beginning filming on The Space Between.
In our world of accelerated change, between one and three children in each classroom is ‘diagnosed’ with ADHD. They are the “Trouble Makers”, the “Class Clowns” and “Day Dreamers.” They are labeled early and suffer the consequences of both their condition and the reactions from those around them. Those with ADHD often share ‘symptoms’ with those who are labeled ‘Creatives’. Yet their lives often take very different paths. What differentiates those individuals who use their rapid ideation to create, from those who are ‘disruptive’ and ‘unproductive’? Is it a genetic difference or is it the lack of training, support and opportunity to express their energies and ideas in some creative mode? If we encourage those with ADHD to channel their energy, they too can use their unique way of experiencing the world to expand how everyone else sees it.
The Space Between talks with the leading psychiatrists, neurologists, theologians, behaviorists and scholars about the connection between ADHD and Creativity. The Space Between will explore the vast wealth of cutting edge information, culling it into an educational outpouring helping parents, children and adult with ADHD find hope.
About the Filmmakers
Director/Filmmaker: R.J. Joseph, an independent filmmaker of Cree heritage, grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His 20-year career in film began as an actor and stuntman in such well-known pieces as Thunderheart, Iron Will and Desperado. He then became intrigued with directing, working with legends of the industry like Woody Allen, Charles Haid, Michael Apted and Sam Sheppard. R.J. is dedicated to telling the stories that need to be told and sharing the voices of those who are underrepresented. He has the rare gift of uncovering the essence of a person or an issue and capturing their spirit on film. RJ is currently living in Los Angeles, CA, is in production on documentaries profiling such notaries as political prisoner, Leonard Paltier and Jay Landesman, last of the Beat writers; and is now beginning filming on The Space Between.
Writer/Producer: Kassie Benham is a gifted storyteller. She’s honed her craft over a 19-year career in the areas of American lifestyle & culture and women’s health & wellness. Kassie spent the first half of that time in New York City working for esteemed publications including Vogue, W, Details, Allure and Shape Magazines before moving to San Francisco to explore the West Coast’s wellness innovations. Kassie is a graduate of the University of Virginia and a certified New Ventures West Integral Coach. She is currently writing her first novel in Santa Fe, NM and filming The Space Between Documentary.
Links: www.gunnarplake.com, www.moccasinpathproductions.com, www.project8creative.com
