After suffering a life-altering brain injury 7 years ago, mountain bike enthusiast Debora DeNapoli’s life would never be the same again. Finding profound healing in the one place she was warned never to return to—the trails—The Debora Effect demonstrates the true essence of mountain biking: pure, unadulterated joy.
Debora didn’t see a ceiling for what she could experience in life. Constantly pushing to be faster, harder and stronger, she completed long endurance efforts to raise money for causes close to her heart before her injury. When a motor vehicle accident in 2014 significantly impaired her riding ability, she started seeking a different level of fulfilment. Riding for the fun of it.
Recovering from a TBI one outing at a time, Debora found getting on her bike and back into nature was key to processing her most debilitating symptoms and tackling her mental health. Altering her course in mountain biking, Debora now brings her contagious energy and love of community to every single ride and person she interacts with—accompanied by a whole lot of singing. With boundless happiness, joy and laughter, people gravitate towards Debora, and it’s easy to see why.
Written and Directed by Darcy Hennessey Turin, Well Travelled Collective
In Collaboration with Anthill Films
Featuring: Debora Denapoli, Karen Grubb, Isabelle Deguise, Cheryl Moore & Veronika Voracek
Editor: Mark Johansson
Producers: Zanny Venner & Scott Jewett
Cinematography: Matt Butterworth, Mark Johansson & Colin Jones
Sound Recording: Brian Lyster
Sound Mixing & Design: Jeffrey Yellen
Colourist: Ryan Urzi
Production Assistant: Daisy Maddinson
Music Supervision: Adam Foley
Graphics: Catkin Pritchard
Photography: Sterling Lorence
Words: Daisy Maddinson
Special Thanks: Marie Simpson, Ian Christie & Josephine Chan