About Us

   Pathgryndr Productions was created to remind us of struggles when pursuing what really makes us happy deep down inside!  We are dedicated to produce inspiring projects about perseverance and resilience.

   Martin Mondia was born in the Philippines and grew up in the US. His background in the film industry may not knock out a Hollywood heavyweight's resume but he's proud and thankful for the oppurtunities considering how tough it is to get your breaks!  He's always been that kid, with a camera in hands, who wanted to capture every moment during family events. He didn't want to miss anything and was always excited to show his mom how much fun everyone had!  From the late 90's to now, his career began as a grip to cameraman in independent projects and international news and never stopped dreaming of that award winning movie he will produce and direct!                                                

   Leigh Swansborough grew up in Wagga Wagga, Australia where she developed a love for Aussie Rules Football. In the 70’s there were no teams or leagues for girls, yet it never stopped her from playing with the neighborhood boys. Discovering the fitness industry as a teen led to her landing a contract job in the Japanese fitness industry. 

   After spending four years in Japan, she relocated to the USA where she fell in love with sociology ,psychology, and multimedia. It only seemed natural to combine these elements into her creative work.

Today, she is the host of TREBLE CLEF LIVE, an indie music show based out of Berkeley, Ca.

How it Began

   The filming started in 2002 but the story began in 1997.  I was a shy and passive aspiring filmmaker who was also an athlete with unmet dreams. One afternoon, while working as a personal trainer at a local gym, I met Leigh Swansborough. Social and assertive, it was her influence that encouraged me to come out of my shell!

   Five years later into our relationship, she gave me an Australian football. Not only did she introduce me to the game, she taught and coached me how to play the sport. Within a few months, I found myself being driven to my 1st tryout with an AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL team in Southern California.  As a filmmaker, it only seemed natural to film my rookie experience yet I had no idea it would capture my life!

The Documentary

   YELLOW MAGIC is a LOVE STORY!  The love between man and his sport!  The love between man and his country!  The love between man and his mates!  The love between man and his family!  And ultimately a redefined love between two people! 

   This was a candid exploration of intertwining love through the eyes of a rookie athlete as he tested his fit older body in this amateur and underground sport.  In his journey, he immersed himself in the game's culture filled with tough Australians and Americans who want to be somebody in this sport!  Did his age and small stature survived this fast, tough, and sometimes brutal but yet beautiful full contact game where pads aren't worn?  

   As he went to battle in his new found sport, the love of his life raised the white flag!  Her love for him was never in doubt, but her sexual orientation was.  Is it possible that love and life is similar to football?  It can be brutal yet beautiful, people get hurt,  and sometimes you can't take your ball and go home. You just have to feel it!! 

This Campaign

   The unique aspect of being the filmmaker in addition of being featured in this documentary complicated our self-funded dream after Leigh unexpecttedly broke up with me!  It was something neither one of us could have predicted or ever forseen happening.  How could I understand her sexual orientation epiphany when she couldn't even understand it herself?  

   She left me, cut all ties, and I found myself all alone! Imagine being surrounded by your football brothers yet feel like you have no family!

   Initially YELLOW MAGIC was seen as a two year project that turned into a life changing decade of filming.  The story rewrote itself and burdened us physically, financially, and emotionally!  Yet we still soldiered on!

  I feel that my experience clearly illustrates how mainstream society can closet a straight man due to its lack of imagination and understanding of experiences that perhaps are more common than we think!  I feel that this documentary may validate someone elses reality!  We're so greatful that a company like indiegogo exists to make this happen!

    Australian Rules Football is an Australian sport brought to the US by expats from Australia.  The very first game was played in 1996 and in 1997 the amateur sport organization was founded.  This movie is to honor those original expat Australians and open-minded Americans who endured injuries, had the patience to teach, spent their hard-earned money, and strongly held their passion for the game!  To all our brothers and sisters that have shared the many fields with us and the small fan base who support us, this is a celebration of our experience!

The Impact

   Yellow magic explores how sexual orientation, gender, and gender roles affect our individual lives and our society on a daily basis.  Whether it’s sports, politics, religion, education, relationships,  the work place, it’s always present.  In a predominantly male dominated sport like Australian Rules Football, I am proud to say both Leigh and I created and coached the first women's team in the USA.  At the time, it wasn’t taken seriously however 10 years later, women field teams at our national competition just like the men.

   If you're a sports lover then you're gonna love this game! We want to help grow this sport here in the US!  We hope this exposure will open a pathway to future Americans looking for options to embark on or continue their athletic careers... or maybe just become a fan! 

    To all future filmmakers... sometimes all you need is an idea and believe in it, courage and believe in you, and the simplicity to shoot with one camera!