I Left Different

Bulletproof is defined as “designed to resist the penetration of bullets.” Now whether these are real-life bullets whizzing past you, or metaphorical bullets coming at you just as hard, one thing is for certain…we all would like to become bulletproof.

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the Inspire Film Festival in The Woodlands. My mom had attended the past 2 years and would go on and on about how amazing it was. “Luke, these films will blow you away” or “ Luke, the amazing dresses- you have to see them” or my favorite, ”Luke, there are so many beautiful girls here you have to see them.” Now, being the teenager that I am, I brushed these off, wondering what I could ever learn from some silly film festival. I didn’t know anyone, and who wants to sit in a cramped room in chairs watching documentaries when they could be watching “The Office”??

My mom is very persistent, though, and eventually talked me into going this year (mostly excited to see these “beautiful girls”). I still had this thought in my mind that I was really just doing my mom a favor because I love her. I didn’t think I would actually learn anything. I had almost thought that I was above this, that I am too good for this, and that I would just get these girls’ numbers and be out of there.

But there was something that changed my entire thought process. Well, actually someone. A man who changed my entire outlook on this festival- Ajani “AJ” Murray, star of “Becoming Bulletproof.” “Becoming Bulletproof” is a documentary film by the folks of Zeno Mountain Farm, a non-profit organization for people with and without disabilities to come together and make movies. AJ, being a man with cerebral palsy, applied for this camp, wanting to feel part of something. 

In “Becoming Bulletproof” we get a look into the making of “Bulletproof Jackson,” the narrative they made. In “Becoming Bulletproof” we dive into the making of this movie, including the “behind the scenes” moments and getting to know the actors themselves. Click the white play button below to see the trailer.

One of the many actors this film follows is the star of the show, AJ Murray. AJ is a man who lives with cerebral palsy and resides with his mother Cynthia. Through this movie, we get a glimpse into AJ’s life, particularly him going to Zeno Mountain Farm. The film shows AJ’s optimistic view of life and the joy of being a part of something.

The film was great, inspirational, and a real “feel-good” story, but this was only half of my experience with AJ. AJ had flown out to the film festival and is the honorary “rolling reporter” and the face of the Inspire Film Festival.

Meeting AJ was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. He is truly one of the coolest people I have ever met. Whether it’s him making “Star Wars” references while talking to me, or telling me to take fashion advice from my mom, his amazing view on life inspires me to want to be better. He advocates for people to see him for who he is, not his disability. AJ does not let his disability affect him; he uses it to inspire others like me.

AJ changed my outlook on the entire film festival, opening my then narrow-minded view. He has made me learn to appreciate the things I have, as well as be open to others who might be different than I am.

So when I talk about being bulletproof, no, I do not mean being able to withstand real-life bullets. I am talking about not being affected by the negativity of others, believing in yourself, and making the world a little better each day. Mine is only one of the many lives AJ has touched.

AJ is the living definition of Bulletproof.