Kelly O'Brien's second pregnancy was uneventful. When her son, Teddy, was born she was told by the doctor that her baby had contracted a virus in-utero. Without any symptoms or signs during pregnancy O'Brien and her family had to face a shocking reality that her son has "extensive brain damage". Teddy would not be able to walk or talk without any assistance. O'Brien began documenting her days taking the challenges and coming to terms with what life has dealt her and her family. We had a chance to interview Kelly O'Brien at the WorldWide Premiere screening of her very personal documentary,... More »

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for US Documentary at Sundance, Blood Brother is a deeply moving film about how one person with steely determination and limitless love truly  can make a difference in the lives of others. The film tells the story of Rocky Braat who decided to go to India on a journey of self-discovery. In what proves to be a life-transforming encounter, he visited a care centre for women and children living with HIV and AIDS. Despite never really liking children, Braat returns home to Pittsburgh announcing he'll be moving to India to work at the centre. His best friend... More »

This past Monday, Katya and I took a breather from our pile of HOTDOCS Film Festival screenings and was invited to the very fun Kaiser Ball - the big event that celebrated the World Premiere the documentary of FELIX AUSTRIA! Felix Pfeifle himself was in attendance at the invite-only Viennese masked ball along with filmmaker Christine Beebe.  Guests wore everything from ballgowns to ballcaps as the guest of honour, Felix, donned a bright orange wig and danced the night away. Being the sophisticated aristocrat is convincing as Felix mixed and mingled with the crowd. He was as effervescent as you would... More »

It's the middle of the night. Hundreds of people have traveled for days to wait in line for basic medical treatment from a Remote Area Medical clinic (RAM). Many huddle in pop-up tents and some sleep on the ground. Some have never been to the dentist. Others are in desperate need of glasses. Most are poor and have no medical coverage or easy access to doctors.This is not Africa, Guatemala or a remote part of the Amazon.This is Bristol, Tennessee.There are 44 million Americans who do not have medical coverage, leaving many of them to rely on pop-up clinics like... More »

We all probably know at least one family with a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD. Friends I know are determined to find ways to cope on a daily basis and, if possible, with minimal or no meds. This year, HotDocs, The Canadian Documentary Film Festival, includes the world premiere of FREE THE MIND: Can You Rewire The Brain Just By Taking a Breath? This film caught my attention. The documentary follows three case studies; Will, a five year old diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, and two American War veterans both of whom suffer from symptoms of Post Trauma Stress Disorder... More »