WE ARE MUSIC is a feature documentary / musical profiling musician Robbie Fitzsimmons as he channels real-life encounters into soulful songs while recovering from a mental breakdown.
After a life-threatening crisis brings his long struggle with mental health to a tipping point, Robbie seeks refuge in a rural mountain town in the Pacific Northwest. What begins as an escape to the wilderness quickly evolves into a connection with the town’s resilient locals as Robbie learns what it means to be a vital member of a tight-knit community. Together, their shared stories of life, love, and loss fuel a storm of original music and spontaneous performances around town.
TAGLINE
Every story has a song.
LOGLINE
A struggling musician recovering from a mental health crisis seeks refuge in a rural mountain town, only to discover a cast of colorful characters who inspire him to create powerful new music from their life stories.
FILMMAKER’S STATEMENT
For years, I’ve witnessed Robbie Fitzsimmons’ rare ability to hold an audience spellbound through his music. His songwriting is rooted in narrative – each piece acts as an intricate story brought to life through raw, soulful performance. As a filmmaker, I found myself constantly intrigued by his work, seeing a natural alignment between his musical storytelling and my own visual craft.
Deeply moved by Robbie’s open conversations about his years of mental and physical health struggles, I was eager to support his recovery. My home in Index, Washington – a scenic town with a population under 200 – is a place of profound beauty and compelling human stories. Believing that a change of environment could catalyze both personal healing and artistic renewal, I invited Robbie to stay, curious to see how this unique town might shape his next chapter.
What followed could only be described as storytelling magic. Robbie forged deep, authentic connections with several residents who welcomed him into their daily routines – from swimming in local rivers and hiking rugged trails to crafting wood art with a chainsaw. Beneath these vibrant, adventurous moments lie deeply personal, sometimes heartbreaking stories. Yet, the film shines a light on how community and the natural world can mend the spirit, turning shared grief and isolation into a story of perseverance and hope.
My hope is that this film sparks a sense of inspiration in everyone who watches it. Above all, I hope it serves as a reminder that within every individual lies a meaningful story, a valuable perspective, and a song waiting to find its voice.
~ Sam Nuttmann
TECHNICAL SPECS
- PROJECT TYPE: Feature Documentary
- RUNTIME: 1 hour 36 minutes
- COMPLETION DATE: Aug 14, 2026
- COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
- COUNTRY OF FILMING: United States
- LANGUAGE: English
- SHOOTING FORMAT: Digital, UHD
- ASPECT RATIO: 2.39:1
- FILM COLOR: Color
CREDITS
- SAM NUTTMANN: Director / Cinematographer / Producer / Editor / Composer
- ROBBIE FITZSIMMONS: Producer / Songwriter / Key Talent
- SARAH VANDE VREDE: Second Camera
- GRETCHEN HOOVER: Songwriter / Key Talent
- RYAN HOOVER: Songwriter / Key Talent
- SARA PRICE: Key Talent
- SABRINA GRAFTON: Key Talent
- JIM BURGESS: Key Talent
- ADDITIONAL TALENT: Stamati Anagnostou, Sean “Rib” Horst, Zack Leck, Cissy Fitzsimmons, Mike Fitzsimmons, Scout Fitzsimmons, Ted Bennish, Pat Sample, Chad Walker
- MATTHEW VANDE VREDE / KIRSTEN SLANE: Dance Coordinators
- PRODUCTION COMPANY: Canopy Cinema / Motion State LLC
FILM POSTER
FILM TRAILER
PROUCTION STILLS
