This feature-length biographical documentary tells the story of a 14-year-old artist, musician, athlete, and environmental activist, how his life was cut far too short by an undetected brain aneurysm, and how his New England community rallied in the wake of his loss.

Production

Filming required travel and took place across New England. Specifically, in Pittsfield, Maine for interviews with the subject's family, friends, and teachers, in West Forks, Maine for a memorial whitewater rafting trip, in Bangor, Maine for interviews with medical professionals at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Waltham, Massachusetts at the New England Organ Bank for the first meeting between the subject's family and the recipients of his organs, as well as in New Bedford, Massachusetts at the subject's sister's art studio for an interview and balloon sendoff. All post-production was conducted in New York City.

Gallery Viewing

As part of the director's Area of Study, the film was on view at the O'Silas Gallery at the Concordia College campus in Bronxville, New York.

Methods of Holistic Personalization

The shade of orange selected for the film's promotional material, in honor of Nolan Berthelette's favorite color, coincided with his birth date: F27200 as in February 27th, 2000. His handwriting was converted into an original typeface, used in the title of the film. The opening scene includes his self-portrait and a heartbeat, which was translated from the waveform on his last EKG. An original song was written by Ashley and her mother, Rachel, as an ambiguous message of grief and hope, taking inspiration from Nolan's mother's blog Living Between Breaths. The song was performed and recorded by local rock band, The Resistance.

Theatre Premiere

NB13: The Nolan Berthelette Story premiered at Pittsfield Community Theatre in Pittsfield, Maine on May 20th and 21st, 2016. On opening night, an orange carpet lined the entrance in honor of the subject's favorite color. A photo backdrop was available for audience members to use, and the event was covered by WABI TV-5 News and The Rolling Thunder Express.