CinemaJaw 562 – Ryan Ferguson, Skate or Die – MEN

Ryan Ferguson has directed and produced multiple independent documentaries on topics ranging from some of the more pressing social issues of our time to the inner workings of standup comedy.Ryan co-founded Flyback Productions in his last semester at Columbia College in Chicago. Through Flyback, he has spent over 15 years producing, shooting, and editing videos for clients such as Ford Motor Company, Vh1, Illinois Holocaust Museum, and the Cook County Juvenile Court. Ryan is a regular volunteer video professional for Poverty Alleviation Chicago. In addition to his commercial work, Ryan also has directed, shot, and edited several independent documentary shorts. Ryan’s first feature film HANNIBAL TAKES EDINBURGH follows standup comedian Hannibal Buress for one month at the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival. Netflix purchased the film in 2016 to rave reviews. Ryan has been a cinematographer on numerous documentaries about underserved communities including Syl Johnson- Anyway the Wind Blows, Dear Walmart, Ringside, and Little Dresses for Africa. His current documentary in production is following a novel clinical trial for a rare fatal pediatric disease called Canavan Disease taking place at Dayton Children’s Hospital. More information can be found at https://www.curecanavanfund.org. SKATE OR DIE is Ryan’s second feature film and premiered at the 2021 San Francisco Documentary Film Festival.

Long-time JawHeads may recall that we spoke with Ryan about ten years ago (!) about his recently completed documentary Skate Or Die.

In his doc, Leo Castillo’s unlikely passion for skateboarding has allowed him to escape the gang life that engulfs his impoverished Chicago neighborhood. But while enough to help him safely navigate the straits of childhood, a gunshot wound over one summer threatens to tear it all away, and reveals how unprepared Leo is to face the world as an adult. Do check this one out if you enjoy documentary.

Nice to finally land the trick and follow up with Ryan F.
Enjoy!