Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story, a documentary by Canmore-based filmmaker Kim Logan, has gathered accolades on the global festival circuit. The film follows Matt Hadley, a former elite mountain biker once ranked fourth in Canada, whose life changed forever after a devastating 2019 rockfall accident.

His journey of reinvention as an adaptive adventurer explores resilience, loss and the barriers of accessibility. If his name doesn’t sound familiar, his work likely does: Matt helped design and build iconic trails like the High Rockies Trail and the redeveloped Ha Ling and Yamnuska Trails, leaving a lasting mark on Alberta’s outdoor culture. The film honours his legacy.

“Matt’s story was begging to be told. It challenges perceptions of what it is like to live with a disability…”

“When I first read about Matt’s accident, I was struck by the story of someone in our small community not only surviving a tragedy but consciously deciding to adapt and redefine his reality. That takes a lot of courage and perseverance, and is not by any
means easy,” says Logan. “Matt’s inspiring story was begging to be told. It challenges perceptions of what it is like to live with a disability and celebrates the spirit of human resilience.”

Trailblazing features universal themes of persistence and possibility that resonate with adventurers, athletes and anyone who has faced adversity. The film won a Golden Sheaf Award at Yorkton Film Festival and earned a Rosie Award nomination from the Alberta Media Production Industries Association, among other accolades. After an acclaimed festival run in 2025, it will stream on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and STORYHIVE’s YouTube later this year. Upcoming screenings here. –ML Staff

Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story next screening:

“Stories that Change What’s Possible: An evening of film, community and momentum for adaptive trails”
Hosted by MEC x CAMBA
April 19, 2026 at 7 pm
MEC Calgary