Yeti, the rapidly growing premium cooler and drinkware brand, has backed its first feature-length documentary. Titled ‘Charged,’ the film depicts the incredible survival story of chef and avid outdoorsman Eduardo Garcia, who was shocked with 2,400 volts of electricity in a freak accident while hiking Montana’s backcountry in 2011.
Yeti made a video teaser for the film Charged available online.
Charged follows Garcia from the onset of his traumatic event through his road to recovery – including a diagnosis of testicular cancer -and features raw behind-the-scenes footage from his 48 days in the Salt Lake City Burn Trauma Unit, that was documented by his partner and caregiver, Jennifer Jane.
During the battle for his life, Garcia lost an arm, multiple ribs, and extensive muscle mass. Garcia’s tale not only speaks to a singular man and the relationships that pulled him through tragedy, but also to the moments that encourage us to live more fully, without regret, in pursuit of our passions.
The film was originally a Kickstarter project that raised $165,099. Yeti’s significant contribution will support post-production, photography, finishing costs and distribution of the film. This backing further cements Yeti’s commitment to content, which has helped more than a dozen short films debut this year.
“Our goal at Yeti is to tell stories of authentic people with incredible work ethic, a passion for their trade, and who have persevered above life’s obstacles to inspire others,” says Scott Ballew, executive producer at Yeti. “After spending time with Eduardo and experiencing his never-ending hunger and gratitude for life, we knew it was something the world needed to witness and are honored to help make that happen.”
Directed and produced by the team behind award-winning independent film Unbranded, Phillip Baribeau, Dennis Aig and Ben Masters join together again to bring this extraordinary story to life, alongside An American Ascent filmmaker George Potter. Tony Hale (A Will for the Woods) has also joined as the film’s editor.
“As a close personal friend of Eduardo’s, I feel honored to tell his inspirational story of resilience and determination,” says Director Phillip Baribeau. “We have assembled an amazing film crew and by showing the world what Eduardo overcame, we hope to reach others who are facing adversity in their own lives.”
“Eduardo’s story is about overcoming challenges both outside and within yourself,” adds Producer Dennis Aig. “It is the unique, personal kind of adventure our team feels privileged to document.”
Executive producers also involved in the project include Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan and his producing partner Constance Schwartz; Peter Hochfelder, Wall Street investor and Tony-Award-winning producer; Teri Weinberg, former NBC Executive Vice President of Entertainment and multiple-award-winning series producer; and Doug Ellin, documentary Emmy-award winning producer of When The Garden Was Eden, and creator of HBO’s Entourage.
In addition to debuting the teaser for Charged this week, Yeti will be showing four films at Telluride MountainFilm, which takes place May 27-30 in Telluride, Colorado. These films include the premiers of Kamchatka, a short film about Russian fly-fishing directed by Travis Rummel and Ben Knight of Felt Soul; The Off Season, which stars MLB player Daniel Norris, and is directed by Ben Moon; Pronghorn Revival, which is directed by Ben Masters and sheds light on pronghorn antelope research efforts in western Texas; and Engler, the recently released story of fly-fishing master Mark Engler directed by Talweg Creative.
Founded in Austin, TX in 2006 by sportsmen Roy and Ryan Seiders, Yeti is a leader in the premium cooler category and has successfully expanded into premium drinkware, soft coolers, gear, and branded apparel.
