See It Through

Where we're at

We've kind of hit a wall with the film, just about three months in, and  Jerry has "fractured" his knee, and was dropped from his food provider Nutropia.  I continue to shoot and cut, I don't know what the outcome of this project will be yet, all I know is that something visual will come out of this.

One Man, One Chance

Can one man overcome the odds and take on his greatest adversary, himself?

The Creators:

Gerald Furnari:

Gerald Furnari, a second generation Italian American, was born in 1978 and Raised in Queens, NY. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, survival was a necessity. After being bullied and eventually stabbed by the age of nine, Gerald began training in Karate. Years later after moving to the suburbs of Brentwood, Long Island he would study Ryu-Kyu Okinawan Kempo in which he would reach 2nd Dan Black Belt under the tutelage of Kyoshi Albert O. Geraldi. From there Gerald trained in various Martial Arts disciplines ranging from Aikido to Russian Sambo. By the time Gerald was 19 he had become caught up in a street lifestyle, often misusing the skills he had learned to collect money and intimidate others for illegal business ventures. He then began selling drugs and worse yet, taking them. Luckily due to circumstances, Gerald's band "John Doe" was signed to a development deal at a major record label.

He used the opportunity to travel the country, break his drug addiction and get away from a really bad scene. Gerald went cold turkey off of heavy narcotics while on tour and it was far from easy. He had dodged the bullet of possible trafficking and conspiracy charges. Most of Gerald's friends ended up dead or in jail.

In 2001 "John Doe" was dropped by their label, at this time Gerald was doing work as security and bit roles in indie and major motion studio projects. You always hear about the one's who make it, but, it's worse to get a taste for success, then to make a meal of it.

2002 delivered blows that some never recover from. From being on the cusp of super-stardom to a wash-up all before he was 22 years old, had sent Gerald into a deep depression.

Gerald's longtime girlfriend had left him, all the media work had dried up and the worst was yet to come. Gerald's Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and barely survived. That same year, his grandmother, whom he loved more than life itself, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Later in 2003 around Easter, she passed away slowly and painfully.

With no education, little to no job prospects, it was a very dark period for about 5 years straight.

He spent many years bouncing, dee-jaying and pitying himself.

Slowly but, surely Gerald managed to pick himself up and do the best he could, even after the blow's life dealt him.

In late 2008 after a failed suicide attempt, Gerald Furnari had made a decision: he would never give up, back down or give in to his own demons. Like a phoenix rises from the ashes, Gerald is now consumed with passion, hunger and a lust for achieving his goals.

John Robert Mariani:

John Robert has been a filmmaker all his life. Upon graduating college he quickly jumped into the feature film Lost Suburbia. The film was somewhat successful, selling out local theaters across Long Island. The movie went on to do rather well on DVD as well. Always working for others, never doing his own projects and ideas, he yearned to take the lead, but procrastination always hindered him. Late last year his grandfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and died earlier this year. He was the one person who always stood by the decisions J.R. made. Now being at a crossroad, John Robert has to make a decision, either to engulf himself in one film, or continue on this mediocre path.

The Story

In one year's time, how much can Gerald Furnari accomplish? At 390 pounds, hard living and poor lifestyle choices have affected all facets of his life. Years of depression, anxiety and drug abuse has taken their toll on a man barely 30 years old. Barely having the energy to exercise, eat clean and train, he struggles with poor self image. After years of suffering from depression and losing teeth from bouncing, a change had to be made. At his ropes end, can this underdog turn the tables on his circumstances? Can he change his ways? Tired of being sick and tired, Gerald decides to go back to the only thing that truly made him happy: Martial Arts and weight training. In doing so he will put everything on the line to prove no dream is too far out of reach. People had given up faith in Gerald, worse yet; he had given up on himself. Until now. Gerald Furnari has made the decision to beat the odds and compete in a no holds barred fight competition in June of 2010.

For the first time ever, a movie will be made about weight loss, forgiveness and the power of Martial Arts. Gerald's entire life will be laid on the line, all caught on film, for the world to see.

Audiences across the globe will be inspired and witness a startling transformation of mind, body and spirit. Bigger than vanity, this is about self respect and the millions of people in this country seeking hope.

This Documentary will be shot over the course of one year. It will chronicle from finish to start, every tear, drop of sweat and raw emotion captured. Can Gerald do it? Or will he succumb to former habits? This film will expose the rawest of emotion and aspirations. Everyone has a dream, but, this time, the world will see every step back to success and self respect. The goal is to inspire others and show the world it's never too late to turn your life around. Join Gerald Furnari on the most incredible and important journey in life: Redemption.

Crew

Sarah Simone Lustberg:  

Sara Simone Lustberg was born and raised on the north shore of Long Island, NY. Ever since she was a child she loved watching movies, as well as making them. Soon home video's progressed into indie films and class projects and she knew this is what she wanted to do as a career. After participating in several school and community plays, as well as pursuing a modeling career at a very young age, Sara realized it was time to step out of the spotlight and academic pressures associated with most Long Island schools, and attend a vocational program in her home town of Dix Hills. The Video Production program at Wilson Tech associated with Western Suffolk BOCES was her top choice, and after the first day, Sara had learned more about film and video than she had ever expected. Now as a crew member with Expendable Films, she is excited to see what the future brings.  Check out some of Sara's work HERE.