FIFTY – THE MOVIE
Feature Documentary – Case Study
Client: Mal Law / Running4Good
Sector: Documentary / Adventure / Mental Health
Location: New Zealand
Film Type: Feature Documentary (90 minutes)
Your Role: Director / Cinematographer / Editor
Overview
FIFTY – The Movie follows legendary ultrarunner Mal Law as he attempts one of the most ambitious endurance projects ever undertaken in Aotearoa:
50 mountain marathons in 50 days — raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
The documentary captures the physical brutality of the challenge, the emotional toll, the community support surrounding Mal, and the deep purpose underpinning the mission.
I was the Director, principal Cinematographer and the sole Editor, working alongside two additional shooters — Matt Jenke and Aaron Smart — to bring the story to life across New Zealand’s most remote and rugged landscapes.
The finished film went on to become one of the most successful independent adventure documentaries produced in NZ in the past decade.
The Approach
Production
Filming took place across 50 mountain locations over 50 days — an extremely demanding shoot that required:
Fast, reactive multi-camera setups
Long days chasing Mal across backcountry terrain
Filming in alpine conditions: snow, wind, heat, river crossings
Drone coverage where possible
On-the-run interviewing
Capturing community moments, support crews, and emotional lows/highs
We aimed for a raw, unpolished truth — no staged scenes, no contrived drama, just real human grit.
Directing & Story Development
The narrative wove together:
Mal’s personal battle with mental health
The families and communities affected by suicide
The physical toll of the daily mountain marathons
The mission behind “Running4Good”
The film balances physical endurance with emotional weight — purpose over performance.
Editing
I edited the entire 90-minute film over 63 consecutive days.
This included:
Story structuring across 50 days of events
Integrating interviews, live sound, and field audio
Colour grading across multiple camera types
Music and sound design
Festival cut, NZ theatrical cut, broadcast version
Shortened versions for screenings and promotional material
Planning something like this? Let’s talk.
I specialise in high-demand, human-driven stories filmed in real environments — from mountain ranges to community spaces.
If you need a filmmaker who can handle directing, cinematography, editing and full post-production logistics, I’m in.
The Outcome
FIFTY – The Movie became a breakout success in the adventure and mental-health documentary world.
Accolades & Impact
Winner – Best Cinematography (European Film Awards)
Winner – Best Editing (European Film Awards)
Winner – People’s Choice Award
Official Selection – Banff Mountain Film Festival
Selected for the Banff World Tour (global screenings)
Screened in 28 cinemas across New Zealand
Featured on Air New Zealand domestic & international flights
Broadcast on SKY TV
Used nationally for mental health awareness, fundraising and community outreach
The film continues to have a lasting impact, inspiring endurance athletes, families affected by suicide, and anyone facing mental-health battles.
Delivered Assets
Feature documentary (90 minutes)
Festival cut
NZ cinema cut
Short-form promotional edits
Social media trailers
B-roll library (mountains, backcountry, community events)
Still frames for posters & festival artwork