Alongside is a shared vision between Kintsugi Heroes and filmmaker Christopher Ireland. Kintsugi Heroes provides access to lived-experience storytellers and community insight, while Christopher leads the creative development, direction, and production of the films. It's a collaborative effort designed to honour both the subject matter and the people involved.

As Alongside scales, production will be managed by Christopher Ireland with backing from his agency, Merv Makes, ensuring delivery at the highest industry standard. Kintsugi Heroes continues to provide community connection and support, while all creative and logistical oversight sits with Christopher and his production team.

Alongside was created to share real stories of adversity, healing, and the powerful role animals play in our recovery. By capturing these moments, we aim to raise awareness, build understanding, and encourage greater mental health support—while celebrating the unique bond between humans and animals.

The first two episodes were produced on limited funds, with significant in-kind support and personal investment from Christopher Ireland. To continue the series at the standard it deserves—and to honour future participants' stories—we’re seeking sponsorship to fully fund new episodes and to retroactively support the work already completed.

Yes. We’re open to meaningful sponsorship collaborations with aligned brands that value mental health, community impact, and authentic storytelling. Sponsorship packages can include brand acknowledgment on the films, the project website, and promotional materials, tailored to reflect your brand's values and contribution without compromising the integrity of the stories.

Your support helps us share honest, unfiltered stories of resilience—stories that might not otherwise be told. By funding the production of these films, you’re directly contributing to greater understanding around mental health, trauma, and recovery. These stories don’t just raise awareness; they create meaningful connection, reduce stigma, and inspire others to seek help, offer support, or simply feel less alone. With your backing, we can elevate these voices and bring their experiences into public spaces—on screen, online, and in real life through exhibitions and events.

Alongside is a rare opportunity to create raw, unflinching, and deeply personal stories that break new ground in how adversity is shared. Thanks to the independent nature of Kintsugi Heroes as a not-for-profit—with no vested commercial interests—we’re able to tell these stories with honesty, respect, and without compromise. Our goal is to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and create lasting social impact through the power of real, lived experience.

With the right funding, we have the capacity to complete the full six-episode series within six months.

Alongside is designed for multi-platform sharing. The films will be featured on the official project site, through Kintsugi Heroes' channels, and across social media to reach mental health communities, animal lovers, and the broader public. We’re also exploring screenings at events, partner organisations, and potentially within broader documentary platforms or festivals.

Yes. We are open to partnering with an exclusive series sponsor. The complete series will feature six episodes, and there are plans for future in-person exhibitions to extend the impact beyond the screen. We’d be happy to discuss tailored opportunities that align with your organisation’s values.

We believe sponsorship should be meaningful, respectful, and built around shared values. Details are best discussed directly in a conversation with the Kintsugi Heroes CEO and the filmmaker, to ensure we tailor the right approach for your brand.

Protecting the integrity of everyone involved is our highest priority. Alongside exists to create positive change, and we know that can only happen when participants, audiences, and partners trust the process. Ethical storytelling is central to our approach, ensuring every story is handled with care and respect while using personal storytelling as a powerful vehicle for connection and healing.

Possibly, with the right agreement in place. We encourage interested sponsors to meet with the Kintsugi Heroes CEO and filmmaker to discuss how we can responsibly share content in ways that protect the people featured while supporting your brand’s purpose.

Our vision extends beyond the six-episode series. We’re actively developing plans for a full-length documentary aimed at streaming platforms, expanding these stories into a larger, more comprehensive exploration of adversity, healing, and the profound role animals play in our lives.