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An Afghanistan war veteran goes dirt bike racing, despite an amputated leg. A former KTM factory rider finds purpose both at and away from the track, despite paralysis. A Hollywood stuntman — from the troubled neighborhood of Watts, California — gets kids off the streets and onto dirt bikes. These are the stories showcased at the first annual VAHNA Motorcycle Film Festival (VMFF).
Presented by Triumph Motorcycles, VMFF screened 10 short films at six different events hosted in Atlanta, Denver, Scottsdale, Costa Mesa, Austin, and Portland. With all the judges' votes tallied, organizers awarded the filmmakers of the top three films: “Chance,” “Cut Short,” and “Korta.”
If you're looking for some quality motorcycle-themed videos, here's what to expect from these winning efforts.
Chance
While serving in Afghanistan in 2012, Chance Cleary’s unit was ambushed during a routine mission. An IED (improvised explosive device) detonated near his vehicle during the attack, severely injuring the North Carolina native. He sustained two collapsed lungs, several broken vertebrae, two broken legs, and a traumatic brain injury. Due to ongoing complications, Cleary ultimately lost his right leg in January 2016. That doesn’t stop him from racing dirt bikes, though.
Despite being an amputee, despite his brain trauma, Cleary rides on. In his own words, he wants “to be the fastest guy on the East Coast with one leg.”
Cut Short
The year is 1999. Rising motocross star Donovan Mitchell signs with KTM as a factory rider. All his childhood dreams are coming true. Less than a year later, that dream is cut short when Mitchell crashes during a race, injuring his spinal cord and leaving him paralyzed. “Is this fixable?” Mitchell wondered, “Quickly, you learn spinal injuries don’t work like that.” From battling depression to regaining his speech and motor skills (in his right arm), the film chronicles Mitchell’s tragedy and triumph, his sorrow and success.
Mitchell’s story may be tragic, but as “Cut Short” shows, it’s also (if not more so), a tale of perseverance.
Korta
Kortel "Korta" Autrey grew up in South Central Los Angeles. More specifically, the neighborhood of Watts. In such an environment, crime, violence, and drugs were a part of Korta's everyday life. By avoiding street life and gangs, he ultimately became a Hollywood stuntman, earning credits in Marvel’s Black Panther series and the Fast & Furious saga. Now, he’s giving back to his neighborhood by inspiring a new generation.
As the founder of Bikes Over Bang’N, a non-profit established in 2013, Korta mentors “at-risk youth in Los Angeles county” by helping them develop “pro-social relationships, strong interpersonal skills, healthy self-esteem, and hope for the future.”
While the inaugural VAHNA Motorcycle Film Festival only awarded the top three finishers with prizes, all 10 finalist films are available to view on the publication's website.
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