Hi all, I’m Allan, the director of THE HIGHEST ROAD. I’m posting here because I think it may interest people in this community, and I’d rather be upfront that it’s my film than have anyone think otherwise.

The film is about Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a rare, progressive disease that gradually takes away coordination and strength. For decades there was no approved treatment. It follows the patients, families, and researchers who spent years fighting for one, and it centers on Kyle Bryant, who has FA and rode a recumbent trike up Umling La, the world’s highest paved road, in the Himalayas.

We spent about two years filming across two continents and five states. I wanted to make something that doesn’t treat the disease as a tragedy or the ride as a victory lap. It’s about the slow, unglamorous work of a community refusing to give up.

We’re having our world premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival:

Saturday, October 17, 12pm, Lido Theater, Newport Beach, CA
Tickets: https://nbff2026.eventive.org/schedule/6aa2f6e5b59d6eb75f0f6c49

If you’re in Southern California, I’d love to see you there. If not, I’m happy to answer questions about the film, the ride, or the filmmaking in the comments. I’m also curious whether anyone here has a connection to rare disease or ataxia, or has a story about advocating for a treatment.

P.S. I am coming in from out of town. How is that area after last week's flooding?

Hi everyone! I’m commuting from Los Angeles to Newport for the Newport Beach Film Festival this Sunday. Does anyone have recommendations for parking? I will be going to the Lido Theater to be exact. I can’t find a lot of parking info online for the fest so I thought I’d ask here. Thank you all. :)

The Newporter circa 60's.

Isn’t this just so satisfying

Hello! Any recs please? Thanks 🙏

Has anyone ever lived at the Madison off Newport blvd?
Experience? Looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment in the area

We're staying on 36th street and Balboa. Is the flooding that bad there?

Looking for a gym or sauna studio or membership spa with traditional sauna not infrared!!

Filmed this today in Newport Beach. It's not staying on the sand anymore, it's coming off the beach and straight into the neighborhood streets...

I’m local, have a shovel, who needs some help?

Was looking to kayak this weekend but I guess not anymore.

Hey I just moved here and wondering if there are ever any fire dancing groups at the beach? Last year I found some in Oceanside and Ocean Beach and I’m hoping there might be something similar around here. Cheers :)

i bought five catalina tickets on groupon and then the date that i wanted to go for sold out. and i bought them in such a hurry that i didnt realize i got five tickets instead of four for my group. if anyone is interested pls let me know & ill send over the info. it's 4x weekday tickets, 1x weekend tix and expires feb 2027.

Pregnant and dying for some sushi will be there for the day. Any recommendations for places that have some cooked rolls? Thank you!

Looking for somewhere to go as a first timer for our first night. Not too Harvey and not formal as will be tired - staying 10 mins from lido marina thank you!