7 Facts About the “Up For Air” Documentary

1. The Protagonist: Jerry Cahill

Jerry Cahill is a pole-vaulter in his fifties who continues to fight respiratory degeneration, depression, and a potentially fatal double-lung transplant. Some of these themes are addressed in the documentary and the viewer is able to follow Jerry throughout these transitions.

2. Directed by Artem Agafonov

Artem Agafonov is a cinematographer who also known for working on the “Buried Above Ground” and the “E-@thletes” documentaries, and the “Wiener & Wiener” TV Series.

3. A Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) Project

The Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) is a partnership of medical and business leaders dedicated to increasing awareness, education, and quality of life for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF).

4. Five Years of Filming

This documentary was shot over five years, where the team followed Jerry dealing with cystic fibrosis and going through major life changes.

5. Trailer

6. Premiere and Screenings

Its World Premiere was on June 20, 2016, at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Auditorium, with members of the cast, filmmakers, and BEF employees in the audience. It was followed by a post-screening panel discussion with Artem Agafonov and Jerry Cahill.

There will be an additional screening on June 27, 2016, the date of Jerry’s 60th birthday, at the Kendall Square Cinema in Boston.

A third and final premiere is scheduled for September 19, 2016, at the New People Cinema in San Francisco.

The full documentary will be available online early in 2017.

7. Aims to Inspire CF Patients

“I am honored and excited to share my story. One of my life passions is to help people find their inner hero. Everyone faces hard times, and I truly hope viewers of ‘Up for Air’ will feel encouraged to face each obstacle with strength and courage,” Cahill said.

Learn more about the ‘Up for Air’ documentary here.