one fall.

So I know this post isn't necessarily design-related, but it does have to do with art, in film form, and truly some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. At this moment, my friend Carl is filming a local documentary not exactly about wrestling, but about the struggles and dreams of one man...

"In the 1970’s and 80’s, the professional wrestling scene exploded in Portland, Oregon with the force of a piledriver. Fans packed small venues to witness weekend warriors doing battle between the tattered ropes of makeshift wrestling rings. But once the sport skyrocketed nationally - launching mammoth promotions such as WWE - the Portland scene quietly fizzled and faded. At least at the surface.

In a town that was widely known for featuring talented up and coming wrestlers, Portland wrestling never actually went away. In fact, the wrestling scene in the Pacific Northwest has remained steady and prolific after all these years, and is still gaining momentum.

Partially in thanks to one “Carl The Mailman”.

Carl Fondelheit is an actual mailman, who hoofs his mail route in the Hollywood district, and all the while, for the past 2 ½ years, has been filming what will be his first feature length documentary film, “One Fall”.

“One Fall” is a character-driven piece following Dan Closser: By day, a Portland tow truck driver, but by night, a struggling wrestling promoter on the brink of financial collapse. Dan “The Man” pulls out every move, while chasing his hopes and dreams of turning his bush league promotion of wannabe professional wrestlers into a roster of world renowned superstars.

His journey is cut short at every turn: Family hardships, endless injuries, a wrestler suicide, leaving Dan “The Man” with only one way out: To lead 16 wrestlers in breaking the Guinness Book record for the longest, non-stop wrestling event.

The recurring themes in “One Fall” will resonate within anyone who has dared to dream about finding success down the road less traveled."


The crew of One Fall

I urge you all to take a look at the project page to view the film's teaser trailer, as well as donate anything you might be able to (hey, even a dollar helps.) I swear, this is a great thing to be a part of... let us continue to support creative artists and dreamers.

(above photographs by Kimi Kolba and Ann McGarry)