Dad Bod - A Short Documentary

A relentlessly upbeat father of four revisits the traumatic event from his childhood that forever changed him. A short documentary about exercise, mental health, and second chances.

[Trigger warning //self-harm]

Project scope: Branded content short documentary. Produced, Directed, Edited

  • It all began with a challenge to make a short, less than 8-minute documentary in 24 hours or less. Travis agreed and we were off to the races.

  • This short documentary explores body image, mental health, and the challenges men face today. As Travis' former personal trainer, I saw his commitment and vulnerability, revealing struggles beyond physical transformation.

    'Dad Bod' isn't just about fitness; it's a call to discuss mental health, especially regarding our children. Through Travis' story, I aim to challenge depression and suicide stigma, sparking dialogue.

    Travis' resilience left a lasting impression, showing transformation goes beyond appearance to mental and emotional well-being. 'Dad Bod' seeks empathy, understanding, and compassion, catalyzing change in viewers' relationships with body image and mental health.

    In a world idealizing physical perfection, 'Dad Bod' champions authenticity and embracing imperfections. I hope this film resonates, encouraging self-acceptance, empathy, and open-heartedness—one conversation at a time.

  • Dad Bod has screened at festivals in the United States and Europe including the Cannes Indie Shorts Festival and the Oregon Short Film Festival where it won the ‘Best Micro Documentary’ award.

Full Credit List

Director/Editor: Daniel Flahiff @danielflahiff

Director of Photography: Pakawat Thongcharoen @pakawatth

Cinematography: Daniel Flahiff @danielflahiff, Sergiy Yashchuk @mightymad, Luke Zimmer @luke_likes_lakes

Color: Sergiy Yashchuk @mightymad

Location Sound: Peter Nyaga @nyagap329

Music: Licensing via Musicbed @musicbed 'Beautiful Life' feat. Eric Kinny by Marie Hines 'DISCOVERY' by Why We Wander 'Wake' by Christopher Dennis Coleman 'Constant' by Shawn Williams

Featuring: Travis Sterner @travissterner Young Travis: Oliver Flahiff @oliver.flahiff

Set Photography: Amanda Tanner

BTS Videography: Jillian Flahiff @j.b.f.art

Special Thanks: Julie Flahiff, Dan Glassman, Rachel Skeen, Jen Sterner, Prichaya Suthivet

With Support From: Samena Swim & Recreation Club @samenaclub

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