Join filmmaker Raimo Strangis as he shares the exciting journey of the ostomy-inspired short film “STUCK” debuting in New York City. From the thrill of airport travel with an ostomy to the emotional premiere at Regal Cinemas, discover how the film resonates with audiences and raises awareness about life after ostomy surgery.
When we got the news that STUCK was going to New York City, we were ecstatic! From Hollywood to Manhattan, our Ostomy Canada Society-supported short film is taking America by storm. With arguably the two biggest cities in the film world screening our film, our mission of spreading positive ostomy awareness is well on its way. So, I packed up my Coloplast supplies and headed to the airport. Travelling tip: never bring your scissors; pre-cut your base plate holes.
Going through airport security with an ostomy is an intimidating thing. You never really know how they are going to react. Travelling tips: Just let them know you have an ostomy before they search for you. Luckily, security was knowledgeable and understanding. With just a few additional swabs, I was cleared and on my way.
Walking down the streets of Manhattan is magical. Everywhere you look, you see all the buildings and statues you’ve only seen on television. You feel like you’re in a movie. Then it hit me: I was about to watch our movie at the Regal Cinemas in Union Square! I was overjoyed.
I made my way to the filmmaker’s table, got my pass, grabbed my movie snacks, and anxiously made my way to my seat. The short films are shown in one-hour blocks, and you never really know when your film will appear. The first two films were amazing; one was about the dangers of viral moments, and the other was about a son and father struggling through grief after losing the rest of their family. Then, our title screen came on…
The film looked beautiful on the big screen, and the sound was spectacular. The audience laughed when they were supposed to and were quiet during the heavy moments. When the credits began to roll, applause filled the theatre. It’s such a wonderful moment when something you create resonates with an audience. Then I realized I had to go up on stage and speak to the audience…
The question was, “Why didn’t you explain why the main character had to have ostomy surgery?” My answer was that people have ostomy surgeries for different reasons. Mine was by choice, after years of suffering from severe Ulcerative Colitis, while others may need to have emergency ostomy surgery. The film isn’t about why he had the surgery, but it’s about how he deals with life after. As we made our way to the lounge, people approached me and said how much they enjoyed the film. A gentleman named Michael travelled to see the film after hearing about it on the Ostomy Canda Society website. After walking the red carpet and doing some interviews, the film festival was done.
Hollywood and New York City were amazing experiences. Hopefully, 2025 will bring us our Canadian Premiere, where we can share our important film with all of you!
NYC Photo Gallery
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our collaborators, including Ostomy Canada Society, Ostomy Toronto, Coloplast Canada, and the United Ostomy Associations of America. Your contributions and belief in Stuck have paved the way for this film to reach new heights and impact countless lives.
To our ostomy community, your stories, strength, and resilience inspire us every day. By coming together and sharing our truths, we’re creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Learn more about STUCK:
- Raimo Strangis – https://raimostrangis.com/
- Michael Pillarella – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3957053/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- Dan Abramovici – https://www.danabramovici.com/
- Stagg Forrest Film – https://www.staggforrestfilms.com/
Source
By Raimo Strangis, Author and Screenwriter
Raimo Strangis is an author, screenwriter, and songwriter from Toronto, Canada. His debut novel, “The Kingdom of Grape,” was widely praised for its charm, wit, and adventure. “With Little Means” continued to showcase his exceptional talent for crafting engaging stories. His third novel, “As We Know It” is set to be released in 2024. Raimo is an executive producer of the short film “Stuck,” a story inspired by his life experiences. Raimo is also an accomplished songwriter, with his original songs earning a devoted following. Despite facing significant challenges, including living with an ostomy after years of suffering from ulcerative colitis, Raimo remains dedicated to his creative pursuits and inspiring others to follow their dreams.
Follow Raimos online!
Visit his website at www.raimostrangis.com, or follow him on social media!
The post Live from New York, it’s the Ostomy Inspired Short Film, STUCK first appeared on Ostomy Canada Society.