Chef Eduardo Garcia's Inspiring Comeback Captured in New Short Film from Montana Office of Tourism

HELENA, Mont., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- His story made national headlines. Five years ago, Celebrity Chef Eduardo Garcia experienced a tragic injury that cost him his left arm, some ribs and nearly his life. After 21 surgeries and lots of rehab, he's back in his home state of Montana—and starring in a new campaign from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development (MOTBD).

Garcia's inspiring story is the topic of a new short film titled The Harvest. It's the latest in MOTBD's The Sky's the Limit campaign, which promotes Montana as a premier destination to visit through the stories of real people who live and travel there.

The five-minute episode follows Garcia on a year-long journey through Paradise Valley, Mont., which began last fall. His story of perseverance comes to life as Garcia, now fully recovered, once again treks Montana's majestic mountains—hiking, hunting, fishing and foraging, all to create the perfect meal. Garcia's culinary adventure concludes with him preparing and enjoying a seasonal feast with family and friends. 

During the short film, Garcia speaks candidly about his injury and credits his home state for helping to heal him.  

"After spending 50 days in the ICU, I was given a choice--recover in Salt Lake City or anywhere of my choosing. It was so easy to say I want to come home," said Garcia, referring to Montana. "I spent every day hiking down the cottonwoods looking for whitetail antlers. My goal and my dream was that by March and April I'd be strong enough to hike up the sage and junipers. That's how I got strong again—hiking."

The Harvest is the fourth episode in The Sky's the Limit series and can be viewed at www.visitmt.com/campaign/montana-tv/episode-4.html.  In addition to watching Garcia's story, visitors can chart their own adventure through Montana this fall by following links to Montana trails, hunting, and fly fishing hot spots and more. This and other episodes can also be found at VISITMT.COM.

In addition to the short film from MOTBD, Garcia's story is being turned into a feature-length documentary titled Charged, which is set to debut in early 2017. Garcia is the co-owner of Montana Mex, a company that produces and sells Montana-made seasonings, sauces and oils nationwide.  

About The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development (MOTBD)
MOTBD markets Montana's spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, relaxing hospitality and competitive business climate to promote the state as a place to visit and do business. For more information, go to VISITMT.COM.  

Editors' note: Find more information about The Sky's the Limit campaign in Montana's pressroom, and visit our flickr page to find photos associated with the Harvest episode.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/The-Harvest-30.mp4

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413464LOGO

SOURCE Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development