She Salvaged More Than Metal.

“I met Rae Ripple on the set of an advertising shoot. While we were in the throes of delivering something for the commercial world, there was the undeniable sense that something more meaningful was at play with this incredibly dynamic individual we had cast. She had a soulfulness, a bit of pain behind her eyes, a heart that, while bold and robust, had a few bandages holding it together, as well as a rare sense of humor and astonishing creativity.

I knew that I had to come back and visit with Rae, tell her story outside of the mandates of an advertisement, and try to show the world what I had discovered. People like Rae are so important because they stand as landmarks to overcoming adversity. She gave me strength to confront my own obstacles, not least of which was having the courage to make something meaningful to me and, in turn, to Rae and all those involved.

Our goal in telling Rae’s story was to share her journey and highlight the resilience and determination of those facing similar obstacles. It's easy to get lost in the struggles of life and succumb to negative thoughts, but Rae's story shows us that it's possible to persevere and create the life we want. As we worked together to bring this story to life, I found the experience immensely therapeutic and healing. While our paths may differ, I learned much from Rae's unwavering strength and determination.”

Director / Michael McCourt