Fighting MSA:
Austin Crawford's Story
Facing a devastating disease with no known cause or cure, Austin Crawford claims to be 'the richest man in the world' as he fights to pay it forward and keep his head in the wind.
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Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival
Mission MSA
Austin Crawford has Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). It is a very rare and terminal neurological disease. Austin describes the symptoms as being similar to a combination of Parkinson's and ALS. Despite the diagnosis of MSA, he maintains a positive attitude as he works to create awareness.
Directed by Phil Gioja
Multiple System Atrophy is a devastating and quickly-developing disease with no known cause or cure. By chance Phil Gioja connected with Austin, and after learning his story Center Street Productions partnered with The MSA Coalition to tell his bittersweet story as he faces this debilitating disease with a bold face and a community of friends.
Fighting MSA: Austin Crawford’s Story
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Synopsis
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Diagnosed with a terminal neurological disease that is so rare there’s no treatment or cure. This informative and heartwarming documentary is filled with emotion from beginning to end. Follow the journey of how Austin Crawford learns that hope still exists.
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Review
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An endearing documentary of endurance amid a medical setback.
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4/5
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Directed by Phil Gioja, ‘Fighting MSA: Austin Crawford’s Story’ is a short semi-biographical documentary film that presents the awe-inspiring perseverance of a man suffering from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Throughout the 15-minute runtime, viewers are guaranteed to absorb Crawford’s steely determination, charm and life-embracing attitude – an enthusiasm that would rival most of us. Set in Milford, Illinois, the documentary exhibits the benevolence of Crawford’s local community – as well the abiding support from his family and friends.
In spite of Austin’s life-limiting set back, his endearing character and psyche doesn’t shy away from flourishing. The audience can also expect a layman’s-terms education about his condition. MSA is a rare condition of the nervous system that causes gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain. This affects balance and movement which controls several basic functions – breathing and digestion. Irrespective of Crawford’s medical circumstance, his positive outlook and life passions – an avid motorcyclist – exhilarates every fiber of his being.
Phil Gioja’s technical craftsmanship and subject matter calls for applause and admiration. The film intentionally breaks-free from the pity-party normality of similar subject matters, and adopts an optimistic approach that is certain to connect, intrigue and inspire. Sound, post-production and cinematography are of a professional standard that will ensure engagement throughout. Highly recommended viewing.
Award-Winning
Documentary
IMDB
Rating
Impact
Compassion
9.5 / 10
Fighting MSA: Austin Crawford's Story has achieved remarkable success, winning 40 prestigious awards, including Best Short Documentary and Best Educational Documentary. It has also received 19 nominations for 'Best of' categories at renowned film festivals worldwide. According to IMDB, the documentary holds an impressive rating 9.5 out of 10.
Success
Recognition
Austin Crawford's openness and genuiness have garnered him widespread success and recognition in the film industry. His emtional journey has captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying his position as a rising star.
Austin Crawford's performances leave a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing his unparalleled dedication and commitment for his awareness. With each role, he brings depth, emotion, and authenticity, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.
Biographies
Dedication
"Fighting MSA: Austin Crawford's Story" marks the beginning of Austin Crawford's journey. Just two years later, a full-length documentary titled "Driven to Help" was released, earning several awards and is now available on streaming platforms.
Humanitarian Award
Award of Distinction
Your production was hand selected by our judges and staff, from the entire pool of entries to the competition throughout 2022, as a film that represents both the spirit of humanitarianism combined with quality filmmaking craft. Best Shorts receives thousands of submissions each year. You can be justifiably proud of this honor!
The judges feel strongly that this year’s nominees brought light to many important global topics. In addition to the Grand Prize winner, the judges have included three additional levels of Humanitarian awards so they could honor a broader group of dedicated filmmakers that conveyed so much talent and passion for their subjects.
We honor and thank you for that.
We firmly believe that film can make impactful changes globally and the Best Shorts Humanitarian Awards are designed to give recognition to those illustrious filmmakers whose craft and message enlightens and inspires audiences to make a difference!
We appreciate the extremely important work you are doing to raise awareness and shift global paradigms. We are truly grateful for your talented filmmaking and dedication, and we honor YOU, as a filmmaker, for bringing awareness to the critical issues of our time.
Rick and the Best Shorts Team
Special Thanks
My wife
My family
My friends
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The entire Reed familyÂ
 State Line Riders
Road Relics Car Club
Camera crew
All of the Sponsors for the Wheels for a Cause 2.
To everyone who is fighting or has faced Multiple System Atrophy.
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IMDB
TESTIMONIALS
I have had the privilege and honor of meeting both Austin and Phil.
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Austin Crawford is an Inspiration to all!
Austin is an Amazing example of what fighting for awareness is all about. This documentary is an eye opener to a devastating disease with no cure and no real treatments. Austin has been a crusader for MSA Awareness.
IMDB
TESTIMONIALS
Austin is an Amazing example of what fighting for awareness is all about. This documentary is an eye opener to a devastating disease with no cure and no real treatments. Austin has been a crusader for MSA Awareness.
I have had the privilege and honor of meeting both Austin and Phil.
Austin Crawford is an Inspiration to all!