Above The Fear

ABOVE THE FEAR is more than just a sports documentary; it is a moving testament to the courage, unity, and indomitable spirit of a community fighting for their right to love and live freely. Through their journey, Clare, Didi, and the UKAT “Ugandan Kuchu Aquatic Team” swim team demonstrate that even in the most challenging waters, one can create ripples of change that resonate far beyond the pool.

In the heart of Uganda, where societal norms and governmental oppression create a harsh environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, two brave activists, Clare Byarugaba and Didi Bakuraira, embark on an extraordinary journey. ABOVE THE FEAR is an inspiring documentary that follows their daring quest to form Uganda's first LGBTQIA+ swim team, the Ugandan Kuchu Aquatic Team (UKAT), and compete on the global stage. I met the Co-founders Clare and Didi back in 2019 via my partner during World Pride in New York and their story transcends beyond what is expected from us as humans, it highlights the best of us in the darkest of days.

Director: Kristal Mosley

Kristal Mosley is a queer independent content Producer, Director, and Editor who lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her career spans collaborations with prominent brands and digital networks, including Viacom, Comedy Central, ESPN, FOXSports1, Tennis Channel, TLC, and the Discovery Channel. With a decade of experience in producing and editing, She has partnered with CEOs, executives, and high-level entrepreneurs to elevate their professional brands through impactful reels and promotional content for social media and broadcast platforms. Kristal’s latest work as a producer earned multiple awards for Best Ensemble and Best Terror Short, titled "Born Again Reject" across various film festivals. As an emerging documentary director, she began her journey in 2017 with a small experimental short film about one of Brooklyn’s last female-operated bodegas. This film delves into her daily struggles to sustain her business amid a gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood.

Cinematographer: Jodi Savitz

Jodi Savitz is a multifaceted, bi-coastal cinematographer and union member - based out of LA, NY and FL. Initially drawn to acting, she soon found her calling in documentary filmmaking after moving to New York City. In 2016, her feature documentary, "Girl on Girl," made waves for its groundbreaking exploration of LGBTQ and feminine lesbian identity, gaining widespread recognition. Concurrently, Jodi produced, directed, and shot several short documentaries for NBC Digital, showcasing her ability to capture diverse stories with political, religious, and LGBTQ themes.

Music: Gregory Vilfranc

Gregory Vilfranc, MPSE is an American Re-recording Mixer and Sound Designer originally hailing from New York. As a BMI member, his compositions have been featured on major networks (VH1, Oxygen, MTV, etc.) and received placement in several popular Reality TV shows like "Keeping Up With the Kardashians", "Love and Hip Hop" and others. Gregory is also a member of the Society of Lyricists and Composers, and most recently has been accepted as an associate member into the Cinema Audio Society.