“Can't” by Brody Kuharv
In 2021, a tragic car accident left Veranique (or V, as she's known at Rox) paralyzed from the waist down. After a long stint in the hospital and multiple surgeries, doctors told Varanique she would never walk again. While this news would reshape her life, it wouldn't alter her vibrant spirit. Veranique knew the key to living a full life rested in her mindset. In 2022, V set out to find a job, landing at Memphis Rox, a climbing gym in South Memphis. Witnessing climbing for the first time, she thought the gym would keep her behind the front desk — that she couldn't participate in the sport. Until she did. Surrounded by community, Veranique is now a regular climber with a philosophy on and off the wall that the sky's the limit.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
“It's not every day that you happen upon a story that has the power to bring people to tears, induce chills, and empower them to shift perspective on their current situation no matter what that may be. When I heard Veranique's story secondhand, I knew immediately that this was a story that needed to be shared.
Since 2021, the odds have been glaringly set against Veranique. A car accident took her ability to walk and led to several severe health issues. Most people feel hopeless and would give up in her situation. Yet, she gets up. She was told she would never walk again and yet, she's taking her first steps. She's even rock climbing! Veranique has made it clear that there is nothing she "Can't" do.
The title of the film is a reflection of the dialogue that has plagued Veranique since the crash. She has been flooded by people telling her what she can't do. One by one, she's proving people wrong.
My objective as a filmmaker is to tell stories of individuals, groups, and organizations that are constantly in pursuit of the best version of themselves. Veranique's story is the most powerful that I've had the honor of telling. I'm honored and the process of making this film has impacted me as an individual. I hope everyone who watches this film can experience what I felt when I made this film. Unabashed joy and deeply rooted self-empowerment.”
-Brody Kuhar
Credits
Director// Brody Kuhar/ @brodykuhar
Producer// Joshua Cannon, Tom Shadyac/ @jtcannon
Executive Producer// Rajon Blanding
DP, Editing// Brody Kuhar/ @brodykuhar
Organization Featured// Memphis Rox/ @memphisroxclimbing
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