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Logline

In 1920s Toronto, a doctor races to purify insulin, but his obsession with recognition threatens the dying boy who needs it.

Synopsis

Breakthrough is a period drama set in 1920s Toronto during one of medicine’s most important discoveries: the creation of insulin. The story follows Dr. Frederick Banting, a small-town physician whose desperation for recognition pushes him to dangerous extremes.

Banting and his assistant, Charles Best, race to purify an insulin extract that could save millions. Their experiments on dogs have shown fleeting success, most notably with Marjorie, a collie whose survival becomes Banting’s obsession. He tends to her with near-religious devotion, convinced that keeping her alive proves both his compassion and his genius. She becomes the living proof of his breakthrough… and his unraveling.

Their work is overseen by Professor Macleod, a skeptical authority at the University of Toronto. When Macleod brings in biochemist James Collip to help purify the extract for human trials, Banting’s sense of control fractures. He sees Collip not as a collaborator but as a threat to his legacy.

As pressure mounts, Banting secures approval for the first human trial on Leonard Thompson, a dying thirteen-year-old boy. Desperate to prove his extract works before Collip can claim the discovery, Banting takes increasingly reckless actions. When Collip succeeds where Banting failed, producing the first truly stable insulin, Banting feels only rage. As his obsession destroys the relationships around him, he faces an impossible choice: cling to his ego or surrender his claim to greatness and ensure the miracle happens.

Breakthrough explores the thin line between obsession and devotion, and how true greatness requires letting go of the need to be remembered.

Meet the Filmmakers

Jacob Piller — Director
Jacob Piller is a director drawn to nostalgic storytelling that resonates across generations. His filmmaking journey began when he was 12 years old in his North Carolina backyard, using a home video camera to craft imaginative stories. As a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Jacob blends classic cinema with modern sensibility, capturing the beauty of the past while making it feel fresh and relevant. His work invites audiences to see how the past shapes the present. Most recently, he received the Alfred P. Sloan Production Grant to bring his latest project, Breakthrough, to life.

Maya Oster — Producer
Maya Oster is a third-year MFA candidate in Film & Television Production at USC. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she moved 2,477 miles to pursue her passion for film production. Having taken on many roles within the industry, Maya finds herself returning to Producing roles time and time again. Her true passion lies in collaborating with passionate teams to create heartfelt stories like Breakthrough.

Dhruvraj Singh Bhati — Producer
Dhruvraj Singh Bhati is an Indian producer focused on telling culturally rich stories that resonate globally. Currently an immigrant in Los Angeles, his unique perspective informs his work on personal growth and identity. A graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Dhruvraj has contributed to award-winning films and TV shows. He loves a good challenge when it comes to making movies and Breakthrough is just that.

Caileigh Gold — cinematographer
Caileigh Gold is a versatile storyteller with a rich background in various art forms. Raised in Virginia, she initially dedicated herself to classical ballet before discovering photography, which later led to a passion for cinematography. Caileigh earned her MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2024, receiving the Annenberg Graduate Fellowship and serving as President of the Trojan Society of Cinematographers. In 2025 she won Best Cinematography at USC’s First Look Showcase.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.