'Meandering Scars' documentary hopes to bring awareness to those with disabilities

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A powerful and important documentary film is coming to Philadelphia this week.

It's called "Meandering Scars," and it's about a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro by perhaps the most unlikely athlete.

Erika Bogan was paralyzed by a domestic violence incident and suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts until she found a way to work through her mental health challenges by competing in obstacle course racing.

The film chronicles Erika climbing Kilimanjaro in her wheelchair to bring awareness to similar struggles experienced by so many others in the disability community.

"The disability community is very close to my heart. My older sister is profoundly disabled. My grandmother had MS, used a wheelchair full time," said Allison Norlian with BirdMine Production. "I've been an advocate through my journalism career and now it's sort of continued in my filmmaking."

Norlian is one of the filmmakers, a South Jersey native and former 6abc intern. She and Philly-born Kody Leibowitz worked in local news before starting BirdMine, their own production company.

"The two of you met as interns in Philadelphia. This is a real homecoming for you," said Nydia Han.

"It truly is," responded Norlian. "It's really special because we've had multiple screenings so far, but this is the first time that our film is going to be seen by friends and family," she added.

"Kody, what do you hope people really take away from this film?" asked Han.

"We hope folks have a better understanding of what it's like to be disabled in America. We hope that folks understand what it is like to be disabled and have severe mental health illnesses," responded Leibowitz.

"And I hope that it truly changes the way the world views disability, and I hope people with disabilities feel seen," added Norlian.

"Meandering Scars" will have its Philly premiere on Saturday, November 29, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. It's a partnership with NAMI Philadelphia, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.