Short Documentary
An educator’s life is upended by a cruel statistical anomaly: a shared cancer diagnosis with his two best friends. Now, he must navigate the debris of survival to discover the profound purpose behind a life of broken shells.
By CIESC Media Services | Copyright 2026 | 13 minutes
Official Screenings
Loveland, OH, July 31, 2026, 2: 45 PM
(award nominee)
Torchlight Film Festival
Franklin, IN August 27, 2026 7 PM
(Best Indiana Documentary Winner)
River Bend Film Festival
Goshen, IN, September 3-5, 2026 TBD
Victory International Film Festival
Evansville, IN, September 10-12, 2026 TBD
From surviving a ‘varsity-level’ battle with Crohn’s to reaching the height of academic success, Jon Acton’s life as a Hoosier educator is upended. Now, he must sift through the wreckage, charting a course toward a shoreline of broken shells. Produced by the Media Services team at Central Indiana Educational Service Center, this unique personal story showcases the determination of one educator willing to push through. What began as an internal passion project by four education-focused storytellers transformed into a public display of grit and opportunity. Broken Shells is currently in consideration for various film festivals throughout the Midwest.
In September of 2020, Jon Acton became a stage 3 rectal cancer fighter in addition to a thirty-year battle with Crohn’s disease. Cancer changed the trajectory of both his professional and personal life, forcing him to retire early from his position as a school superintendent. Learn more about Jon and his role as a motivational speaker at brokenshells.net
The Team
Paul Weller
Director | Producer
Paul is the Director of Media Services. Since 2013, he has helped oversee 100+ videos a year.
Brian Paul
Editor | Sound
Brian joined CIESC in 2025 as our lead cinematographer. He has experience at WFYI, the Indiana Department of Education, and as a freelancer.
Lemmy Saylor
Videographer
For over seven years, Lemmy has brought energy and passion a variety of projects with the Media Services department.
Tori Abram-Peterson
Researcher
Tori has led the CIESC Compliance Training platform and is an experienced producer with projects throughout the country.
Dr. Andrew Melin
Executive Director
Dr. Melin has served as the Executive Director of Central Indiana Educational Service Center since 2020.
Justin Scott
Videographer
Justin contributed to the team’s visual style prior to his departure.