Experiencing Interruptions?

Akuna Hikes

War veteran Will Robinson (aka @AkunaHikes) was diagnosed with PTSD following a tour in Iraq. After years of struggling with the effects of the disorder, he decided to make a drastic change. That is when he found hiking as a form of healing.

Hailing from New Orlean's Louisiana Will Robinson, enlisted in the US Army at age 22. At the time, serving was his life line, a way out of trouble. After 5 years of service in Iraq Will was discharged with injuries sustained to both knees a fused wrist and severe PTSD, deeming him unsuited for service. "I returned broken." He admits. Upon retuning home, Will felt completely isolated and hopeless. After 12 years of suffering; alcohol abuse, medication and therapists Will finally broke the cycle. " At times I contemplated grabbing a hand gun and pulling the trigger, if I didn't do something drastic, it wasn't going to go much further." He explains. That's when Will took up hiking, and began on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016. Since then, he hasn't stopped walking. This summer he finished the Appalachian trail, walking a cumulative 3,800 miles on his road to recovery. Up next, The Continental Divide Trail spanning 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada. His goal is to heal and promote healing and thru hiking for anyone else who's suffered the effects of emotional and physical trauma.

  • Jessica Colquhoun
    Director
  • Lindsey Hagen
    Producer
  • Will Robinson
    Key Cast
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 41 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jessica Colquhoun

Creating this documentary embodied the reasons I fell for filmmaking, connecting with people you wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to, sharing an adventure together and giving a platform to an incredible voice. Being apart of the last moments of Aku’s 6 month epic challenge was really special and we felt honored to stand with him at the finish line. A team of four us were out in the field and carried our gear 5,267 ft up to the top of Mount Katahdin whilst Will patiently waited for us stragglers to keep up with his pace! I hope this film allows Aku to see how inspirational and powerful his story is and that it will encourage others to follow in his footsteps.

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