This film tells the remarkable story about diversity pioneer, Aneela McKenna, who has tackled racism and discrimination in her life with the support of mountain biking. It invites viewers to open their hearts and minds to see how racial discrimination affected Aneela McKenna.
A few years ago, she was at a breaking point and was embroiled in a racism grievance against her boss. Her self-confidence, respect and belief in herself had plummeted to an all-time low and she needed a timeout. Taking an extended career break, Aneela embarked on a solo mission on her trusty mountain bike in search of strength, renewal and healing. She turned to her favourite place in the world – the Outer Hebrides, the site of many happy memories of adventures with her husband, Andy.
In this film, Aneela and Andy revisit these remote Scottish islands and pedal their way through life’s ups and downs. Amid stunning scenery, the pair ride and reflect on the realities which drove her to this unspoilt landscape and the refreshed outlook and strength she returned home with. Moments of pain, frustration, triumph, laughter and defiance are uncovered on the beaches, in the waves, over a bothy fireside dram and amidst the mountains where their connection to Scotland and one another is strongest. After the Storm reveals how Aneela’s solo trip sparked changes in the couple’s lives and asks everyone involved in mountain biking to look in the mirror and face up to these tough topics.
Join the adventure to #RIDEOVERRACISM and make mountain biking a more diverse and inclusive space.
This film was part of VIMFF 2022, VIMFF 2022 Tour and is no longer available for viewing.
Andy is a household name in outdoor sports photography, having been at its fore for over two decades. Now an established freelance cameraman and editor, he works for a wide range of clients, including the BBC. His expertise and knowledge of what best engages a target audience is unrivaled. He has worked with and seriously impressed numerous brands and other entities over his career and is a heavily trusted individual in the outdoor sports media world.
First time Director Andy McKenna is a Scotsman with a passion for intimate storytelling who strives to capture the healing power of bicycles. Andy’s fire for mountain biking was lit in the mid 80s and sparked a lifelong journey of two-wheeled adventure and a professional guiding career, ultimately resulting in the formation of an award-winning mtb adventure outfitter in 2008.
Blissfully unaware of the ramifications, Andy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007. Whilst this incurable neurological condition has robbed Andy of some things, it’s lit a new fire – to tackle tough topics and tell engaging human stories that matter to him and others.
After the Storm is the next chapter in a story started with the highly-acclaimed 2017 film This Way Up – an emotional, intimate and joyous tale about riding over the bumps of MS. After the Storm reveals how Andy’s wife Aneela endured crushing racism, and how, from the brink of mental breakdown, took off for months on her mountain bike and re-emerged as a different person.
Andy is passionate about directing stories that connect humans and lead us to look in the mirror and reflect on what’s important in life.
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