Private Project

Indestructible

If you loved Under the Banner of Heaven, then you'll love Indestructible.

It wasn't just the inoperable brain tumor and hydrocephalus that challenged young Emily Tucker. Her family's membership in a polygamous group in Utah made getting the care she needed a challenge. She and her family defied the odds, and got her to where she is now---a medical professional and activist for hydrocephalus, and an indestructible survivor.

Her sister, Julie Adkinson, is mentioned in the novel Under the Banner of Heaven. She was approached by Brian David Mitchell (convicted of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart) when he attempted to "court" her.

  • Jennifer D'Arcy Dial Santoro
    Director
  • Jennifer D'Arcy Dial Santoro
    Writer
  • Jennifer D'Arcy Dial Santoro
    Producer
  • Emily Tucker
    Key Cast
    "Emily"
  • Joseph Tucker
    Key Cast
    "Joseph"
  • Cristyn Tucker Olson
    Key Cast
    "Cristyn"
  • Christy Tucker
    Key Cast
    "Christy"
  • Julia Tucker Adkinson
    Key Cast
    "Julia"
    Under the Banner of Heaven, John Krakauer (book)
  • Roland Tucker
    Key Cast
    "Roland"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Health, documentary short, documentary, religious cult
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 28, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Oregon Documentary Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    August 21, 2022
    Live Premiere
    Nomination: Best Director
  • Flickfair Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    July 1, 2022
    Online Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Dreamachine International Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    Has not premiered yet
    Best Documentary Short
  • Accolade Global Film Competition
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    Has not premiered yet
    Award of Merit, Documentary Short
  • INDIE CINE Tube Awards

    Finalist: Best Documentary, Winner: First Time Filmmaker
Director Biography - Jennifer D'Arcy Dial Santoro

Jen Santoro studied communications and video production in college, but ended up taking a detour for competitive cycling before spending some years teaching secondary mathematics. She met Emily at her children's pediatrician's office and upon hearing her story, decided to go back to her original intention to make films. She has worked on others' projects as an Assistant Director, and Assistant DP, and this is her first solo effort.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"When I met Emily and heard her story, I was compelled to tell it to a wider audience. Her medical challenge alone is monumental, but when seen against the background of a controlling polygamist clan it's so unique. The world should hear about the courage and conviction of Emily's entire family, who all left the only world they knew and started over, just to save their daughter and sister."