Festival Season:
April 2026
MAAH DAAH HEY: BACK TO THE START
Directors:
Writers:
Aaron Haugen, John Peter
Producers:
Run Time:
1:19:01
Awarded for the following Category(s):
Awarded Category(s)
Maah Daah Hey: Back to the Start is a documentary exploring the intersection of endurance, identity, and mental health through the lens of one of the most demanding backcountry trails in the country.
Set against the rugged landscape of North Dakota’s Maah Daah Hey Trail, the film follows a journey that extends far beyond competition — into the psychological and emotional realities of losing control, seeking help, and rebuilding a life after a serious mental health diagnosis.
At its core, the film is not about a race, but about what remains when the version of yourself you once relied on no longer exists — and what it takes to move forward.
Submitter Statement
In all my work, I want to make a connection with my audience in a way that builds empathy with the characters and causes the viewer to examine their own lives to see how they can enrich the world they live in.
John Peter is a documentary filmmaker based in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, with over 20 years of experience capturing compelling real-life stories. His work focuses on community, endurance, and the human spirit, bringing depth and authenticity to every project. He is best known for the acclaimed seven-episode docu-series We Are From Pelican, which highlights the unique stories of his hometown, as well as the award-winning Maah Daah Hey film series, showcasing the challenges and beauty of one of America’s most rugged endurance races. Through his lens, John crafts immersive narratives that connect audiences to the people and places at the heart of his films.
Aaron Haugen is a filmmaker and cinematographer whose work has been closely tied to the Maah Daah Hey film series. He previously served as Director of Photography on Maah Daah Hey and Maah Daah Hey: Together, helping shape the visual identity of the series. With Maah Daah Hey: Back to the Start, Haugen steps into the role of co-director, expanding his creative involvement and contributing to the film’s storytelling and direction.
Key Cast
John Peter, Derek Wallace
Other Credits