"I would travel down to Hell and wrestle a film away from the devil if it was necessary." - Werner Herzog
A thought occurred while sitting on top of Mt. Washington, after a difficult hike on a very hot day. The climb to the summit and reaching the top was exhilarating. Just like completing a film. All the doubts, sleepless nights, tough creative decisions and financial hardships seem worthwhile. A finished film feels just like summiting a peak.
However, summiting is not the end of the journey. One must descend. The hike up is hard but controlled descent on tired legs is even harder. For a film, its the distribution and outreach. True, making the film is hard but getting it seen is even harder. It's not an option but a necessity.
Among other things making a film is a test of stamina. One must survive the filmmaking and the film. For some filmmakers, intense physical activities help experience the physical, emotional and mental stamina necessary to take a film to the finish line. And be willing to go to Hell and back if necessary for the sake of the film.