The Filmmakers
Meet the Filmmakers
Director: Allan Thompson
Allan Thompson is an award-winning documentary director and producer with a background in journalism and a decade of experience in brand storytelling alongside his wife, Patty. He holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri and is known for his curious, empathetic approach to filmmaking. Allan’s work focuses on capturing human resilience and connection, often through intimate, character-driven stories. The Highest Road is his debut feature film, combining his passion for storytelling with a deeply personal subject: the fight for treatment and visibility within the rare disease community. It marks his transition into long-form documentary filmmaking.
Director of Photography, India: Chand Benjamin
Chand Benjamin is an International award winning Producer/Director with over 15 years of experience in leading dynamic and innovative creative teams. Known for combining artistic vision with strategic thinking to deliver compelling and impact visual storytelling across various platforms. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with diverse teams and clients to bring ideas to life, from concept to execution. My approach is rooted in a deep understanding of brand identity, consumer psychology, and market trends, allowing me to create authentic and resonant experiences that captivate audiences.
Producer: Robert Carroll
Robert Carroll is an award-winning Producer whose feature documentary Brothers on Three premiered in Regal Cinemas in November of 2025. Brothers on Three featured unprecedented access to the West Point campus, documenting a year with the school’s championship rugby program. Robert has also Produced over 50 seasons of TV for Netflix, NBC Universal, HBO, and Paramount, including E!’s hit medical surgery series Botched, which featured miraculous transformations of plastic surgery gone wrong. Robert has also worked on Bravo fan favorites Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Writer: Alex Schnitzler
As a writing consultant, writer, and editor, Alex collaborates with professionals to leverage their professional lives into narratives that lead to published books, blogs, websites, articles and dreams. For over ten years, Alex served as editorial director of Keller Media, a nonfiction literary agency. Ten years ago, he formed Syntax Editorial, where doctors, CEOs, NBA athletes, musicians, lawyers, Silicon Valley executives, former mobsters, psychics, and incarcerated senators have all contributed to his client roll. Kyle’s relationship with Alex began in 2017, when he hired Alex to write a book about his experiences with Friedreich’s ataxia, which led to the publication of Shifting to High Gear in 2019.
Editor: Daniel Laabs
Daniel is a filmmaker whose work has screened at festivals worldwide. His short film work earned him a Grand Jury Prize at SXSW in 2011, and his debut feature, Jules of Light and Dark, won the Grand Jury Prize at both Outfest and NewFest before being released on Showtime. Laabs has received support from La Biennale di Venezia College – Cinema, Austin Film Society, The Gotham, the San Francisco Film Society & Kenneth Rainin Foundation, USinProgress – Wrocław, and US & French Connection – Paris.