The Documentary

Leen Tangney (Director)

Breaking Boundaries is a truly inspirational documentary that follows Jack Kavanagh and his friends as they head to the west coast of America in search of adventure.

In 2012, everything changed for Jack Kavanagh. Having just completed his first year in Trinity College, Jack was holidaying in Portugal when tragedy struck the young teen. While swimming in the sea Jack collided with a hidden sandbank as he dived into an oncoming wave and was left instantly paralysed. A windsurfer of some repute, Jack’s familiarity with the water could not prevent him from the life changing injury he sustained.

In the years that have since passed, Jack has shown extraordinary courage in overcoming adversity. Despite his difficulties he has shown that limitations are only perceived and in so doing, has inspired thousands of people who have encountered his story. Prior to the accident, Jack made a pact with his friend, David Henry. They agreed that before the realities of life sent them their separate ways they would embark on the trip of a lifetime, travel the world and return with stories that they could share with their grandchildren. 

How did this happen?

BACKGROUND

This project began as a promise between friends to travel together. Jack Kavanagh was told after he broke his neck that he would need the assistance from at least two people to help him perform the most basic of tasks for the rest of his life. A freak accident during a holiday in Portugal left Jack paralyzed with only 15% muscle function remaining. Jack was 19 when the injury happened. He defied medical and logical wisdom to reclaim his life in a way no one expected over the proceeding years. He sought to prove that limitations are only perceived and you can do anything if you have the right attitude. Traveling to America with his friends, traveling like any other person can became a focus for that journey of reclaiming independence. 

CONCEPTION

The idea of documenting this experience was an afterthought, not the conception. Once word got out about what Jack was trying to achieve production companies from Ireland and abroad sought to become involved. Jack defied conventional wisdom yet again and turned down lucrative deals to instead ask his friend Leen Tangney, a fellow Trinity undergraduate to come along and film the experience instead. With a shoestring budget and a one camera set-up they got on the plane and began the most remarkable journey of what was to become Breaking Boundaries. They documented the trip and in the following months produced a documentary completely true to what they had set out to accomplish. 

COMPLETION

The goal for this documentary was to show that limitations are only perceived and invite anyone and everyone to live their own lives under that philosophy. The documentary received huge acclaim in Ireland, was shown on a national platform and Jack has launched a movement of sorts with frequent motivational talks in public forums since.