Imagine a world where physical limitations don’t define your ability to conquer mountains, rivers, or even your own backyard. That’s the powerful message at the heart of ADAPTED, a groundbreaking documentary set to premiere at the Durango Independent Film Festival next week. Directed by Durango native Paul Bikis, this film isn’t just a story—it’s a movement. But here’s where it gets controversial: ADAPTED challenges us to rethink how we view accessibility and adventure, asking whether society truly supports those who dare to push boundaries in unconventional ways.
Paul Bikis, a 2012 graduate of Durango High School, has always been drawn to storytelling through film. From his early days crafting ski and bike videos in middle school to his latest masterpiece, Bikis has used his lens to share the beauty of his hometown and beyond. ADAPTED, however, is more than just a film—it’s a deeply personal project inspired by his experience caring for his mother, who battled Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a degenerative cognitive illness. During her final years, Bikis witnessed firsthand the transformative power of adaptive sports, which allowed her to reclaim moments of joy and independence. This experience planted the seed for ADAPTED, a film that celebrates resilience and the great outdoors.
ADAPTED follows three extraordinary individuals: Josh Hancock, Anna Soens, and Danielle Doelling. Each faces paralysis due to spinal-cord injuries, yet their stories are anything but limiting. Josh leads a custom adaptive raft down Idaho’s wild Salmon River, Anna aims to become the first paraplegic athlete to summit the towering Mount Baker in Washington, and Danielle trains to handcycle 87 grueling miles across Utah’s White Rim Trail. These aren’t just feats of strength—they’re testaments to the human spirit. And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t just about their achievements; it’s about the systemic barriers that still exist for many in the adaptive community.
Creating ADAPTED was no small feat. Over seven years, Bikis tackled financing hurdles, logistical nightmares of filming in extreme locations, and the daunting task of editing 200 hours of footage into a 90-minute narrative. ‘It was a labor of love,’ Bikis admits, ‘but also a lesson in perseverance.’ The result? A film that educates, empowers, and challenges perceptions of disability.
But let’s pause for a moment: Is society doing enough to make outdoor adventures truly accessible to all? Bikis hopes ADAPTED sparks this conversation. ‘We want people to see these athletes and think, ‘That’s incredible—and it’s possible,’ he says. ‘Not as inspiration porn, but as a normal part of life.’
Catch ADAPTED at the Durango Independent Film Festival, March 4-8, with screenings at 11:30 a.m. on March 5 at the Gaslight (102 E. 5th St.) and 4:30 p.m. on March 7 at the Durango Arts Center (802 East Second Ave.). Tickets and details are available at https://www.durangofilm.org. For more on the film, visit https://adaptedthefilm.com.
As Bikis returns to his hometown to share this labor of love, he reflects on the journey: ‘Bringing ADAPTED to Durango feels like coming full circle. It’s a chance to celebrate the community that shaped me and the stories that need to be told.’
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think society is doing enough to support adaptive adventurers? What’s one change you’d like to see in how we approach accessibility? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
