The true story of a coke-dealin' hustler at the end of his rope who impulsively moves to Asia to become a teacher. He spends the next decade overcoming his drug-entangled past while finding purpose, redemption, and love as he explores the Far East.

SYNOPSIS:

THESE TEN YEARS is the true story of a young man’s journey across the world that leads him away from a life of drug dealing and substance abuse and down a path towards meaningful purpose. In the process of leaving the United States, settling in Southeast Asia, and skirting death multiple times, he overcomes selfishness, shame, and anger as he grows in self-awareness, experiences redemption, and falls in love. A smooth-talking, small-town hustler, Chad Hinzman is a college student pursuing a career in criminal justice. By the time he's twenty, he's funneling tens of thousands of dollars worth of drugs between Washington, D.C. and his small college town. But September 11th changes everything: high stakes, hard drugs, and his hot temper prove a combination even he can't handle. When jail time and depression follow, he cuts his losses, leaves everything, and moves to Asia. He lands in Taiwan teaching English and, for the first time in his life, senses his vulnerability. He befriends a fellow teacher who provides a voice of wisdom, helping Chad deal with his past. As Chad's perspective and desires change, the two decide to start an altruistic business venture that leads them to Indonesia. While there, Chad meets Rina. She is a woman as pure as he is worldly, tender as he is jaded. Despite a language barrier and cultural differences, their connection is instant and her love immediate. When they experience a life-threatening event together, Chad realizes he deeply loves her too. Meanwhile, despite their efforts, the business flounders: broke and unemployed, Chad must return to the States. Before he leaves, he travels home with Rina to meet her parents. While there, a miscommunication forces them to decide if they love each other enough to get married. Back in the States, Chad feels trapped in his job and haunted by his days as a dealer. When he comes face-to-face with the demons of his past, he realizes the life he wants is back in Bali with Rina. In paradise once more, they begin to build a new life together - one that includes travel and more personal business ventures. As his twenties come to a close, Chad prepares for the next phase of life: parenthood. A decade of challenge, failure, risk, and resolve has equipped him for the journey ahead with greater vision, deeper purpose, and a new, hard-earned humility. THESE TEN YEARS is the true coming-of-age story of a young man who redefines his purpose and learns to love others as he travels across Asia. Violent tension, deep heartache, and unwavering love shape this exotic drama with raw emotion and reveal that, while people cannot change their past, they can still change and grow with every passing year. With a powerhouse, passion-driven lead, THESE TEN YEARS is an ideal script for an up-and-coming actor eager for a breakout role that demonstrates his dramatic range and emotional depth. To learn more about Chad, his photography, and the writing of the script, visit www.thesetenyears.com.