Documentary 'Cycling the Western Front (working title)

A film documenting a modern pilgrimage through the ruins of toxic masculinity, across the exact place where men were once sent to kill, suppress emotion, and die in silence. The men in this film are choosing to do the opposite: to feel, to connect, and to heal.

We’re raising money to bring this raw, personal, and honest documentary to life.

This film follows a group of men, all members of Jerry Hyde’s men’s groups, cycling 1,000km along the Western Front (the trench lines of World War I) whilst engaging in daily group therapy. I’ve been in Jerry’s men’s groups for nearly a decade. It’s been life-changing - but somehow hard to convey. The work of connection, community, challenge and growth is hard to capture. This film is my attempt to show what that work really looks like and to raise awareness about the vital work we do: fostering accountability, encouraging emotional depth, and providing a space for men to seek support rather than isolate in times of pain. Helping men to be accountable and deepen their relationships - not just with others, but with themselves and the world around them.

It’s a journey through a physical landscape soaked in historical conflict and collective trauma, as well as through the emotional terrain of the men themselves. We are not cyclists or athletes, we are driven by the opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves, to confront the physical and mental challenge together.

From the 17th to the 31st of May 2025, twelve of us men will embark on this meaningful journey along the Western Front Way, a route that traces the Great War trench lines from the Swiss border to the Belgian coast. At a moment when far-right sentiment is on the rise and the threat of fascism and conflict looms, this journey is timely and a crucial challenge to encourage men to do the inner work.

Jerry has run his men’s groups for over 20 years creating a space where men can be vulnerable in front of each other, working to show up as better men in their lives. He has asked us a question for preparation: “What is your relationship to conflict?”

For me, I have tended to freeze, avoid, collapse. Making this film is my conflict. It scares me. It will have something of me in it, potentially in front as well as behind the camera. Either way I will be seen. It will be a document of my own journey as well as the other men’s. A thawing, a turning towards and an opening up - and that’s exactly why I need to make it.

The documentary will run 30–60 minutes, filmed in April to June 2025, and completed by the end of the year. Your support helps cover filming, travel, post-production, and equipment.

This story is about redefining masculinity. Men in the trenches of life together. The companionship and loss. About facing the inherited trauma of war, unearthing the shadows that echo still in men today.

I’m not taking a fee for making this film, it’s one I feel called to make, so I’m going to make this film no matter what. But the financial help will help to get me out there with the other men, with the right equipment, for the longest amount of time.

The amount I’m hoping to raise would roughly cover the following:

If you believe in mental health, emotional courage, and rewriting outdated narratives of manhood - please back this film and share the campaign.

BIO

Daniel Miles – Filmmaker & Storyteller

Daniel is a filmmaker with 17 years of experience capturing compelling human stories across the globe. His work spans corporate films, charity campaigns, and media productions, blending cinematic storytelling with an authentic, documentary-style approach.

Whether working with global brands, humanitarian organizations, or independent media platforms, his focus remains on crafting narratives that resonate emotionally and spark meaningful conversations.

Passionate about exploring the human condition, Daniel specialises in intimate, character-driven storytelling—giving voice to real people and their journeys. His ability to build trust with subjects and find the heart of a story has made his work deeply impactful.

Jerry Hyde - Therapist

Jerry honed his group-work skills in recording studios and vans driving up and down the M1 with underground 80’s rock & roll band The Batniks.

“Once you can navigate the complex ego personalities and love/hate chemistry that are the essential ingredients of any good band you can deal with any group situation…”

He initially began his practice in the mid 1990’s working with violent perpetrators before expanding into anger management and sexuality focused psycho-educational groups.

In 2000 he launched the Make Me A Man programme and now leads 4 bi-weekly groups, the oldest of which has been running for 25 years.

He offers mentorship and supervision to practitioners anywhere in the world, especially those who would like to set up their own group.

Crowdfunding Reward Tiers

Any of the money raised for this film will go towards making it happen, from the logistical costs for me to get to the Western Front and film alongside the riders, to the equipment necessary to shoot the film. The following are price brackets but anything would be useful at this point and I will assign the rewards by using these as brackets. I.E. anything between £25 and £100 will be a Credited Supporter.

£25 – CREDITED SUPPORTER

£100 – SCREENING SUPPORTER

£300 – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER