‘One Way Journey’
Director Todd Hannigan
Too often, deeply inspiring stories of people fighting cancer get swept under the taboo rug. Luckily, there are people like Michelle Grisnel, a South Coast mother of two who is taking on Stage IV breast cancer with grace, contagious positivity, and a fierce will to live. This is an intimate look at her journey and an unabashed affirmation of life itself.
What did cancer mean to you before working on this film?
It is hard to say. I was aware of how big of a problem it was for so many families but had never been around it in such a personal manner before the film.
What does it mean now?
After meeting Michelle and working on “One Way Journey” together, I am certainly looking at it differently. She is taking it head on and showing so much courage. I am so thankful to get the chance to work with her and have her open my eyes to how hard you can fight and how bottomless your strength can be.
Tell me a little bit about how this film came about?
Coley Glasgow (Wilder PR) contacted me. We have been friends for a long time working with her brother and cousins in the film business (Emmett Malloy, Chris, Keith and Dan Malloy). She told me the story in her words and asked if I would be interested in directing the film. I agreed to meet Michelle but was very nervous of such a heavy issue. I was planning on saying no. I agreed to do the film right then and there after seeing the energy and light coming out of Michelle. I realized we could make this an uplifting story that could help people in their day to day lives. Scott Soens (Director of Photograohy) was there for that first meeting and I had already worked with him on many films so I knew it would look amazing if he was working on it. We just went for it from there and I am so happy we did.
