Everyday Activist - Victor Walk

Posted on Friday, May 05, 2017 at 10:00 PM

Victor Walk

Movie Review by Everyday Activist X CalgaryMovies.com

Before receiving an invitation to review the Victor Walk documentary, I had been reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. If anyone has suffered trauma or mental health stigma I strongly recommend this book, because it talks about how damaging shame is and how it thrives in isolated, dark, silent corners. The moment light shines on shame and we speak about our experiences, does shame lose its power and we are free. This is what Theoren Fleury has done in Victor Walk as he embarks on a journey with his friends to walk from Toronto to Ottawa in 2013. Since the film, he and his team have done other walks from Edmonton to Calgary in 2015 and from Russel, Manitoba to Winnipeg in 2016. In 2017 they will walk from Saskatoon to Regina.

As a therapist I LOVED this film. Despite everything that’s happened to him, Theo made himself not only vulnerable, but available. So many people came out to greet him on his walk to talk about their own struggles with sexual abuse. By being brave he inspired one woman to write a book about her struggles while another became an advocate for Little Warriors. Rather than anger, every step of the way, Theo promoted healing first and then pursuing justice. For his passionate stance in both arenas he was awarded Honorary Doctorates in Science and Law, on top of his already active life; whether making movies, writing books or music. Not a bad retirement from his successful hockey career, though now he’s known for advocacy. Even on Parliament Hill when talking to politicians he says that the offenders need healing too; hurt people hurt people. Kindness and compassion are necessary to help everyone move forward.

As someone who has suffered trauma from a car accident, it’s so easy to fall into “damaged” mode. When people are constantly referred to as a “victim”, the title robs them of their ability to take control of their lives to create a better future. This is why Victor is frog. Frogs can’t jump backwards, only forwards. People are resilient. I have Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, on order to remind myself that our struggles shape us and help give our lives new direction and meaning. It’s hard to ever imagine, Theoren Fleury as a victim, since he’s been a Victor in so many aspects of his life for decades. Despite all his success, he’s open and honest about all the support that he’s had to get through the tough times, including those on his walk.

Victor Walk will screen Friday June 2nd, 2017, at the Jubilee Auditorium at 7:00 pm as part of a fundraiser for Breaking Free Foundation. Theoren Fleury will be there signing books and other swag. If you wanted to spend more time with him, V.I.P tickets are available for $150 at Ticketmaster, otherwise regular tickets are about $50. Breaking Free Foundation makes mental health affordable for people suffering from traumatic experiences.

Calgary Premiere: Victor Walk >
Calgary Showtimes: Victor Walk >