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The 500 Project

A team of endurance athletes push themselves to the limits in the wake of tragedy. Their ambitious goal: 500 miles in 36 hours.

In 2020, Heidi Videto set a cycling record of 441 miles in 36 hours at the Washington Island Ultra. Two years later—after the tragic loss of her best friend and coach—Heidi attempts to accomplish their last shared goal: 500 miles. This raw and honest look at Heidi's journey is a meditation on grief and a love letter to human perseverance.

  • Ryan Dugger
    Director
  • Ryan Dugger
    Producer
  • Craig Braun
    Producer
  • Heidi Videto
    Key Cast
  • Jess Zaiss
    Key Cast
  • Rachel Peterson
    Key Cast
  • Taryn Spates
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    38 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 14, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    8,000 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
  • Door County Short Film Festival
    Sister Bay, Wisconsin
    United States
    February 18, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Door County Short Film Festival
    Sister Bay, Wisconsin
    United States
    February 18, 2023
    Audience Choice Award
  • The North Film Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    February 24, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    Honorable Mention
  • Tennessee International Indie Film Festival
    Frankin, TN
    United States
    Best Short Documentary
  • Freedom Festival International
    Columbia
    United States
    August 25, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Freedom Festival International
    Columbia
    United States
    August 25, 2023
    Best Director
Director Biography - Ryan Dugger

In his debut short film "The 500 Project," director Ryan Dugger examines the challenging life of an endurance athlete and how she fights to overcome her traumatic past.

Ryan lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife Genette and their two sons Max and Leon. Together they own and operate Creative Revolver, a small team of photographers and videographers that specialize in the real estate and architectural industry.

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Director Statement

Having worked in the photo+video business for over 15 years now, I couldn't be more excited to present my first short film.
As a one-man crew, this project was challenging but so rewarding.

It has always been a dream of mine to produce a short film that inspires others. My hope is that anyone who watches The 500 Project walks away feeling like they can accomplish whatever their dream or goals may be.