About The Film
The idea for the film
Executive Producer Dan Cooper has spent over two decades bringing powerful stories to life. A trip to Guatemala with entrepreneur Mel Torrie introduced him to the Beeline Wheelchair Company, where he witnessed lives transformed one chair at a time. Reuniting with longtime collaborators T.C. and Kristen Johnstone, the team set out to capture this story. The result is a film that not only inspires but invites audiences to join in making a real difference.
Meet the Cast
Mark Richard
Mark Richard has spent decades in Central America working alongside local communities, driven by a simple belief: mobility changes everything. What began in the late 1980s with bringing wheelchairs to Guatemala grew into a lifelong mission that has touched thousands of lives. Out of that work, Mark invented the Beeline wheelchair—a rugged, custom-built chair designed to give freedom and dignity to people of all ages. His journey carried him from the counterculture of the 1970's into the heart of Guatemala, where faith, resilience, and innovation continue to shape a story that is still unfolding.
Small Call to Action Headline
Alma Beatriz Patzan Sanail, Technician
Gustavo Adolfo Vasquez Rodas, Technician
Juan Alberto Sandoval Lorenzo, Technician
Silvia Leticia Pabla, Technician
David Garcia Garcia, Technician
Ashely
Natalia Eskmasy Ponce, Managing Director
Mario Renato Sei Juarez, Physical Therapist
Mel Torrie, ASI Robots
Director's Statement
As a filmmaker, my passion is to tell stories that not only entertain, but also open our eyes to the deeper purpose of life.
"UNtethered" took Kristen and I into a world I had never experienced before. It was our first time being invited into the lives of people with disabilities.
Telling this story left a profound impact on my life. I began to realize that a wheelchair is not a limitation. I started to see that circumstances don’t have to hold us back, and that the human spirit is stronger than we often imagine when there is belief, hope, and community.
In the end, I discovered that making this film was not only about sharing a story with the world, it was a gift to me. It opened my heart and reminded me that change always starts when I choose to see.
This isn’t just a film about extraordinary people, it’s an invitation to each of us to get involved in small but powerful ways.
About the Director
T.C. Johnstone is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work blends powerful storytelling with real-world impact. His films—including Rising From Ashes (executive produced by Forest Whitaker), Red Horizon, Teen Press, and In the Dirt—have screened worldwide, sparked movements, and inspired lasting change.
As founder of Gratis 7 Media Group Foundation, T.C. continues to tell stories that transform lives and communities through hope, reconciliation, and resilience. He and his wife, Kristen, live in Boulder, Colorado, where they produce films and consult nonprofits on media strategy. Through Doc Film School, T.C. is building a community of filmmakers and changemakers, equipping them with the tools to create stories that educate, inspire, and drive real impact.
DIRECTOR T.C. Johnstone
PRODUCER Byron Eduardo Solórzano Lara
PRODUCER Kristen Johnstone
CINEMATOGRAPHER Jeremy Rodgers
SECOND CAMERA Tim Grant
SOUND Sean McCormick
DRONE OPERATOR Chris Sinclair
EDITOR T.C. Johnstone
POST COLOR Justin Arwood
SOUND MIX Ben Eggehorn
ORIGINAL SCORE Scott Stevens
PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Sinclair
STORY CONSULTANT Gregg Helvey
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