Pedal it Forward

Activism – 10 min

Pedal It Forward is a short documentary directed by J. Cole Gerke, that teaches viewers about Freddy Candia, a passionate innovator in Cochabamba, Bolivia. In a country where 64% of the population lives below the poverty line, Freddy is transforming lives through pedal-powered machines, bici-máquinas which are repurposed bicycles that provide essential services by creating clean energy for soap production, and even hot showers. His creativity is not just in the field of technology, it’s also about sustainability, and all of this helps the community.

Directed by J. Cole Gerke, the film captures Freddy’s commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and pollution with compassion and creativity. With footage that gets you into his creative space, the film provides a deep dive into Freddy’s creative process and decision making. Through his work with the NGO, Freddy shows how one person’s vision can spark a movement toward a more equitable and positive future.

DIRECTOR
J. Cole Gerke
PRODUCER
Catjia Rehkamp
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Ewelina Kolakowska
EDITOR
Brian Walsh

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Premiering on April 1st, 2026

Curated by: