A documentary film maker is asking people affected by Parkinson’s to share their stories in a series of new films, following the success of the ‘Parkinson’s Project‘ documentary.
The original project, ‘The Parkinson’s Project documentary: climbing with Parkinson’s disease’, follows the challenges of climber, teacher, and person with Parkinson’s Chris Hamper.
The 53-minute documentary was shown at more than 20 screenings across Norway and the UK. It has also been accepted into several film festivals. The film was intended to raise awareness and understanding, and to add to conversations about how Parkinson’s is seen in society. Its success has led to plans for two further episodes, featuring more Parkinson’s stories.
“We received a huge amount of incredibly positive feedback from the Parkinson’s community,” says Sheffield, UK-based filmmaker Jess James. “The film has connected with people on many levels.”
Many people with Parkinson’s appreciated the “truthful and open” depiction of what it is like to live with Parkinson’s day to day, she says. Seeing Chris maintain his focus on larger life goals, despite the challenges of Parkinson’s, has also inspired people.
“A number of people at the screenings say that seeing the documentary has given them much more confidence to be open about their condition, and not let it define them.” Jess adds.
Sharing more stories about Parkinson’s
Jess is now looking to produce more inspirational human-led stories of how people move past the limitations of Parkinson’s. “We strongly believe that the many more stories to tell in this space will further our original aims of shining an informative and inspirational light on Parkinson’s,” she says.
The team is calling for people with Parkinson’s, partners, health workers and researchers to share their stories through an online form.
“We are not only looking for people to be subjects of a film, but for all insights into the many areas that make up the world of Parkinson’s. We will be sure to read everyone’s input personally and will get in touch with some people for further discussion.”
If you would like to watch the full film it is available on demand for a small fee here.
