The Story of Dr. Hellmut May

Inspired by the stories and actions of others

See a Two Part Screening of this film 1:30pm Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 at Kerrisdale Seniors Centre, 5851 West Boulevard Vancouver, BC.  Free admission. More information here.

I'm asked so often why I got into making family history films and life story biography videos. It's in the quiet moments when my camera is rolling and my client is in the middle of an amazing story that I realize how blessed I am. When I hear of the challenges and triumphs of the people I am privileged to interview, I am inspired.

The Story of Dr. Hellmut May is one such film. Hellmut's story is about talent, discipline, athletic commitment, and a bit of luck. It's also about love, caring and living life to the fullest.

As an Olympic figure skater, master coach, businessman, father, grandfather, and husband, Dr Hellmut May has shared his life with many people around him. Spanning more than 8 decades, his life story starts out in Vienna, Austria, and follows his many adventures.

In 2010, Dr. Hellmut May was inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame because he was an Olympic athlete himself and for coaching some of Canada's best known figure skating Olympians.

But inspiration came from another source. It was Andrea May, Hellmut's wife and a former skating student, who commissioned this film. It's to honour and celebrate the man who dedicated his life to excellence in sports and who had a profound impact on many young athletes. Because of Andrea's tireless efforts in pulling together the mounds of details that make up this film, it truly is a bonifide heirloom.

Click the Play arrow to watch a short trailer of several sections excerpted from the full production by personal historian Cory Bretz.

You'll see Dr. Hellmut coaching a skating student, talking about his days in the Vienna Ice Show, see his first role as an actor in a movie back in the 50s, and share with him a toast to life.

Click here to find out how you and your family can have your own family history film or storybook.