Behind the scenes with Mark Anthony Dellas and Daniel Lukasik

By Javohir Aminov, Assistant News Editor

Producer Daniel Lukasik comes to Canisius University along with filmmaker, Mark Anthony Dellas to discuss the film “Travels with George: A Journey Through Depression, Connection, & Friendship,” which they both worked on. This film focuses on prioritizing mental health, grief and companionship. George is on a path of virtue and finding himself, who then met Lukasik, thus marking an eternal friendship that consists of teaching each other fundamental lessons about how to deal with tough situations and trauma.

The characters in the film feature Georgette, Jean Marinaro, Skirboll and Cheri Alvarez who are prominent figures. As the executive director of Compeer, a non profit organization, Alvarez has trained people to rebuild their life by forming relations and providing support for them.

Lukasik is a 1984 graduate of Buffalo State University and a 1988 graduate of University at Buffalo School of Law. “For over 30 years, I was a trial lawyer representing injured railroad and construction workers,” he stated, then says he was appointed by the chief administrative judge of NYS to serve as the wellness coordinator for the NYS Court System.

After serving in his career as an attorney for several years, he was diagnosed with depression and was an advocate for mental health soon after, while continuing his path in law. “My first foray into producing came after my younger brother’s death almost four years ago,” he then met filmmaker Mark Anthony Dellas, making a documentary called “My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Life.”

When asked about what inspired him to produce this film, he said “After the screening of My Brother Lost in Time, it took off and is now being shown throughout the U.S. That was really meaningful to Mark and me, and we decided to make another film.” Furthermore, Lukasik was also recommended to volunteer at St. Luke's Mission, where he met Amy Betro, the founder, who informed him about a kid without a father figure in his life, thus starting his decade long relationship with George.

Lukasik has said that “George helped me with my depression, and I helped him grow up.” Both individuals have benefited from each other, helping with their mental health struggles and to prove that getting yourself involved in volunteering is a great way to establish relationships and inner healing.

When Lukasik was diagnosed with depression, it paved the way for him to become a film producer, and his interaction with Dellas. The people in his life have changed his perspective on how he lives, giving him “a sense of purpose.” People like his brother Paul, George, Dellas and more have impacted him in his journey and made him realize what he truly wanted to do for his community, and that's helping people with their mental health.

Lukasik yearns for the youth to not lose hope. He wants people to understand that if you’re sinking in loneliness and isolation, never forget your support systems. “There are many ways to connect with our WNY community and find friendship. In such meaningful relationships, we can find hope and healing. I certainly did.” Similarly, he wants the viewers of his film to understand that people will pursue you and want to establish a strong friendship. “You don’t have to be alone on your journey through life.”

If you want to learn more about Compeer, visit compeerbuffalo.org.