Fertility in Focus by Fertility Matters Canada

What 'Pulling the Goalie' Tells Us About Men’s Experience With Infertility With Hiag Avsharian

Carolynn Dubé Season 1 Episode 22

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In this special episode on Fertility in Focus, we are joined by writer and director Hiag Avsharian to discuss his short film, “Pulling the Goalie”, and shed some light on the often overlooked perspective of male infertility struggles.

Drawing from his personal experience, Hiag gives us insight into his journey through fertility challenges. With a desire to increase awareness surrounding the experiences of men, he spent over a decade working on his short film, “Pulling the Goalie”. This film provides an approachable narrative that speaks to the emotions and challenges endured by men dealing with infertility. He intertwines themes of male relationships and the power of connection to foster a supportive environment that embraces men's experiences. The film pays homage to individuals with diverse journeys, promoting understanding and empathy for those navigating the challenges of fertility struggles.

Join us as we explore the motivations behind Hiag's unwavering commitment to telling this story. Discover the impact he hopes to make, both in supporting individuals going through infertility and in enlightening those around them about the profound difficulties they face. Tune in to this extraordinary episode of Fertility in Focus and join us in embracing the power of storytelling to illuminate the often-unseen realities of male infertility.

More About our Guest Speaker


Hiag Avsharian is an accomplished business professional turned filmmaker who won 15+ Film Festival Awards including Montreal Independent Film Festival, the Canadian Cinematography Film Festival, and Toronto's Wild Sound Film Festival. For over two decades, he served as the President and co-owner of a thriving company, overseeing a team of 100 employees. Now, he channels his passion and creativity into the art of filmmaking.

Hiag made his debut in the world of cinema with the short film, "Pulling the Goalie.” This heartfelt story follows Jamie and Jack, a couple immersed in the world of beer league hockey, who face the daunting challenge of infertility. As their initial excitement turns to stress and anxiety, their journey takes them to the brink, testing their resilience and love for one another. By presenting the narrative from a man's perspective, Hiag aims to shed light on the struggles faced by couples dealing with infertility, emphasizing that 1 in 8 couples are confronted with this reality.

To show your support for Hiag and his film, you can follow him on social media at @ptgmovie, where you'll find updates and behind-the-scenes insights. Additionally, you can watch "Pulling the Goalie" for free on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpe01xQZuf8). For more information visit the official website at https://ptgmovie.com/

If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at podcast@fertilitymatters.ca.

Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.