Dusty's Trail

Filmmaker Catherine Jayisuriya's impressionistic documentary centers on a terrible disease that affects one in every 3,500 males born: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a muscle-weakening condition that eventually puts young men in wheelchairs and ends their lives in their 20s. The film is somewhat disappointing, however, when the focus shifts to a fundraising climb of Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo, a cooperative effort made by parents of Duchenne kids and experienced climbers. The subject of Dusty's Trails is 20-year-old Dusty, whose MD was diagnosed when he was quite young and whose parents are supportive of his desire to live as normally as possible. Dusty's mom—recalling a pre-diagnosis family goal to climb Kinabalu one day—puts together a large team to scale the mountain via established trails and ropes. Unfortunately, there isn't much actual footage of the climb, so this part of the film feels a little hollow. But Dusty's Trail does a fine job of presenting valuable information about Duchenne, drawing on the testimonies of young men with the disease, as well as parents and doctors. Extras include an interview with Dusty, a filmmaker Q&A, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)