What started as a humble, shoestring-budget project just over a year ago has become a powerful testament to resilience. We’re ecstatic to share that The Hero In Us was showcased at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend!

There were more than 1,000 movies submitted to the film festival, and ours was one of just 78 to be selected. While we didn’t take home an award, we had the opportunity to tell our foundation’s origin story to a broader audience, and met some awesome people along the way.

This short film, a touching and imaginative origin story, blends live-action with beautifully crafted animation to explore the journey of Jack Fearons - a young superhero who, after overcoming his nemesis Chiari, faces a harrowing setback that lands him back in the hospital. With his mother Jill by his side, Jack sets out to discover his true superpower, while Jill finds hers in the process.

Originally, The Hero In Us made its world premiere at the Friends of Jack Foundation’s Annual Celebration on September 28, 2024, held at Arch of the Meadow in Rochester, Mass. Now, it has taken center stage at Comic-Con San Diego, one of the most prestigious pop culture conventions in the U.S., held annually each July.

What makes the film especially moving is that Jack and Jill Fearons play themselves, joined by guest performances including Jordan Demario as Jack’s doctor and Liam Fearons portraying Young Jack. The story traces Jack’s real-life medical fight with Chiari Malformation, the risks he faced after surgery, a near-death experience, and his miraculous post-recovery discovery - his innate ability to play the piano by ear. In fact, he even composed and performed the film’s musical theme.

Behind the scenes, the creative team includes:

Alex Stulac – Producer, Director, and Writer

Brody Pazol – Sound

Noah Arnold – Director of Photography (Cyan Lens Media)

Kaitlyn Deguzman – Animator

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made this film possible, including:

Executive Producers: The Rodrigues and Holbrook Families

Cast: Jill Fearons, Jack Fearons, Liam Fearons, Maggie Fearons, Molly Fearons, Chris “Gazelle” Arsenault, Jordan Demario, Darby Nolet, Mira Wellington, and Brendon McGlothin

Crew: Peter Cohenno, Nick Farinola, Dan Phillips, Connor Evans, Meghan Macdonald, Brittany Brasells, and Sophia Carreiro

Special Mentions: Vaughndre Henry, Payson Smith Holbrook, Corey Lorenco, On the Go Mattapoisett, and Stuart Beeby.

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