This is the NYC premiere of the short documentary, The Distinguished Gentleman, which debuts on the world stage at the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival, Oct.4.

The 17-minute short film documents “the power of community in the face of hardship.”

In February 2019, Queens, NY-based moto enthusiast Vincent Nicolai almost lost his life in a near-fatal accident when a propane tank exploded in his garage while he was working on his motorcycle. The accident consumed Nicolai’s motorcycling legacy, including his two Triumphs, his tools, and all his collectables, and left the community leader with serious burns over more than 40 per cent of his body.

As the news hit social media, the New York City motorcycle community rallied behind Vincent to raise more than $77,000, a communal act of solidarity with an element of karma; Vincent, himself has raised over $70,000 for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a motorcycle charity that funds prostate cancer research and promotes awareness of men’s mental health issues, depression and suicide prevention. Vincent’s persistent, annual efforts to raise money for the cause has had far-reaching impacts. In addition to providing financial support to men in need, he also has inspired others to fundraise for DGR and has built a strong network of friends and family who came through in his own time of need.

When Kathoefer and Midura heard about Vincent’s accident and the rallying efforts of those around him, their film team knew this story had to be told … how, in the wake of the accident, Vincent’s family and motorcycle friends came together in an astounding way.

The evening, Oct. 9 at Kickstarter Headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, will include a cocktail hour, a step-and-repeat/red carpet, the film screening, and a Q & A panel with Vincent Nicolai and exec producers JP Kathoefer & Kirsten Midura.

For more info, visit https://www.thedistinguishedgentlemanfilm.com/

poster artwork: @tempusdeficit
poster layout: @motoveli