The drama of human endurance being tested by the most demanding of natural locations is at the core of a stunning new documentary to be shown on RTE 1 next Wednesday. The trailer for the documentary Man vs Ocean - 112 Days whets the appetite for the retelling of the epic journey of Damien Browne and Fergus Farrell as they embarked on an extraordinary expedition to cross the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean from New York City to Galway.
In a dramatic tale of endurance and human spirit, “Man v Ocean” is poised to seize the hearts of viewers as it premieres on RTE One on December 6 at 9:35 PM. The hour-long film not only chronicles the harrowing voyage of these two men in their small two-person rowboat but also brings to light the emotional stories of those closest to them.
It is a narrative that transcends the physical journey, exploring the sheer potential and resilience of the human mind when pushed beyond its limits. “Man vs Ocean” is a gripping saga that showcases the raw, unfiltered reality of challenging the might of nature. It is a story where danger lurks at every stroke, and survival is a testament to human tenacity and courage.
However, making such a documentary in such testing conditions brings its own challenges. Ahead of its broadcast on RTE 1 next Wednesday, Galway-base director Tomek Ciezki of Heavy Man Films Ltd told me about how this compelling work was completed.
The documentary captures every heart-stopping moment of this audacious attempt, offering an intimate glimpse into what it truly means to push human capabilities to their absolute edge.
Edge-of-your-seat stuff
Be ready to be taken on a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat journey with “Man vs Ocean”. Witness the unimaginable, feel the tension, and experience the triumph of the human spirit over the vast, unforgiving Atlantic.
Heavy Man Films has for many years committed to bringing to life stories that explore the depths of human experience. Based in Galway, its documentaries focus on real people and their extraordinary stories, connecting audiences with powerful narratives of passion, endurance, and adventure.
This film owes its existence to the passion and vision of a Galway filmmaker, who believed in the potential of this incredible story from the beginning.
Self-funded and driven by a commitment to authentic storytelling, this film is not just a testament to the filmmaker’s dedication but also a beacon of inspiration for dreamers and adventurers everywhere.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Tomek Ciezki said that the journey of “Man vs Ocean - 112 Days” began unexpectedly in January 2022.
“It was during a routine studio visit by Damian, a renowned adventurer, that we stumbled upon the story of a lifetime. Damian, along with his fellow rower Fergus, was gearing up for a daunting voyage across the North Atlantic. The realisation that their story was untold lit a fire within us.
“We, at Heavy Man Films, were determined to capture this saga. With my colleague Wesley O’Duinne, we immediately got to work, creating a budget, a promo deck, and a sizzle reel. Our mission was clear: to tell the world this incredible story.
“The initial phase was a whirlwind of excitement. We filmed Damian and Fergus’s intense training in a DIY garage gym, capturing the raw emotion and sheer determination that defined their preparation. Our enthusiasm led to a potential collaboration with a New York production company. The American broadcaster’s interest was earned, world known brands were willing to finance the film, we were happy out ploughing forward with the production.
However, the harsh reality of documentary filmmaking quickly set in.
“General disbelief in the lads’ mission led to the collapse of this partnership and potential financing of the documentary. It was a significant setback, but our resolve only strengthened. The story was too compelling to abandon.
“In these challenging times, support came from unexpected quarters. My wife’s business, Irish Socksciety, stepped in with crucial financial support and provided us with the GoPro gear which was used on the boat during the crossing. It was an amazing gesture reflecting the community spirit that this project embodied. Mark O’Dwyer, who joined the project as the second producer was fighting for every penny we could potentially get.
Acts of solidarity kept us afloat
“Moreover, the kindness and generosity of friends like Boyd Challenger and Emilija Jefremova became the backbone of our endeavour. Boyd’s decision to join me in New York and Emilija’s offer to share her accommodation were acts of solidarity that kept our spirits high and the project alive.
“Our time in New York was marked by a blend of adventure and adversity. The city, vibrant and challenging, tested our limits. We walked miles each day in scorching heat, carrying heavy equipment, to capture every moment of Damian and Fergus’s final preparations. There would be no story if not for our brother in crime, Josh Steinbauer, a super talented DOP based in NYC who covered not only the events we were filming but also before we got and after we left NYC.
Tomek and his team even got fined, albeit a small one from Park Rangers.
“In an unexpected twist, our commitment to capturing the perfect shot led to a fine from Park Rangers – a memorable part of our journey. That’s what shooting without a permit sometimes leads to. We laugh at it now as after talking to the Rangers explaining what we are doing and what Damian and Fergus were planning, I had a feeling the law enforcers wanted to join our crew and help with the documentary. They gave us the smallest fine they possibly could,” Tomek recalled.
The documentary took a dramatic turn when Fergus had to be evacuated due to illness. Damian’s decision to continue alone reshaped the narrative into one of singular determination. Throughout this time, the bond of friendship played a crucial role. Boyd’s presence in New York provided much-needed moral support, while Emilija’s photographic skills captured the essence of Damian’s journey. Their contributions were invaluable, weaving a deeper human element into the fabric of the story.
There was more drama to come.
“As Damian approached the Irish coast, we prepared for the final act of this epic tale. As the oldest fishermen on the Aran Islands said: it was a no-sail day. In spite of it Joe Joyce and Ciaran Gerry took us on a boat.
“Accompanied by Emilija, we embarked on a treacherous journey to meet Damian at sea 20 nautical miles southwest from Inisheer. The conditions were formidable, but the sight of Damian, weathered yet unbroken, was a moment of profound impact. Our journey back to Galway was filled with anticipation for his grand arrival.
However, the story took an unforeseen turn when Damian reached the coast sooner than expected, his boat crashing against the rocks of Furbo. This unexpected end did not diminish the achievement; it highlighted the unpredictability of adventure and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Just as Damian and Fergus faced the massive waves of the North Atlantic, our journey in creating “Man vs Ocean - 112 Days” was fraught with its own turbulent waters, notably the sea of scepticism and financial constraints,” said Tomek.
“Much like the unpredictable ocean swells, the doubt cast by potential investors and collaborators posed significant challenges, mirroring the physical obstacles encountered by the rowers. The reluctance to fund our project, stemming from perceptions of excessive risk and impracticality, reflected the daunting nature of the Atlantic voyage itself,” he recalled.
“Each rejection and setback we faced was akin to a rogue wave, threatening to derail our mission, yet serving to strengthen our resolve. Our small team’s unwavering belief in the significance of this story propelled us forward, much like the relentless strokes of Damian and Fergus’s oars against the vast, unyielding ocean.
This parallel struggle against the currents of disbelief and financial hardship added a profound dimension to the documentary, echoing the core theme of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
“It underscored the essence of our narrative: a journey not just about conquering a physical distance, but about overcoming the invisible barriers of doubt and limitation, mirroring the spirit of the brave souls who dared to row across the Atlantic.
“In the aftermath of Damian’s extraordinary journey, “Man vs Ocean - 112 Days” became more than a documentary. It evolved into a narrative of human endurance, a story of friendship and support, and a testament to the power of determination. The involvement of friends like Boyd and Emilija, the financial backing from Irish Socksciety, and the many hurdles we overcame enriched the documentary, making it a multi-dimensional portrayal of a remarkable human endeavour,” Tomek concluded.
Man vs Ocean - 112 Days will be broadcast on RTE 1 on Wednesday next December 6 at 9.35pm.
