DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Mike and I first met in high school, though for years our only connection was the occasional message on Facebook. Knowing I worked in film, he reached out when A&E and CBS News 48 Hours showed interest in telling his story. At the time, he was unsure if he wanted to revisit such a painful chapter, and I encouraged him to consider it carefully. When those projects eventually fell through because his story did not fit neatly into the expected true crime mold, Mike came back to me. He wanted his story told not as a crime narrative, but as something deeper: a film about trauma, abuse, and ultimately, forgiveness.

I hesitated at first, fully aware of how emotionally difficult and time-consuming the project would be. In the end, I agreed. Over the course of making this film, Mike and I grew closer as friends, and I came to deeply respect the courage it takes to share such a story. I am grateful to have been part of it, and I hope the film not only honors Mike’s journey but also offers strength and solidarity to other survivors of abuse.