Hello,
My name is Edson Oda.
I’m a Graduate Film Student at USC (University of Southern California-Los Angeles).
Recently I’m producing a Documentary Film about HOSPICE PATIENTS. It’s called: “Passion for Life”.
Our intention with this documentary is to show how Hospice Patients can be great examples of courage and how they can inspire other people to enjoy life and live better.
We also believe that this kind of Film can help and inspire other people who are also fighting for life. I mean, other Hospice Patients (and their Families) who watch this film will see they are not alone in this struggle.
I was wondering if any of you know any Hospice Patient, nurse or volunteer (from LA area) that could be interested in taking part in this kind of project.
Or maybe you could give me an advise of what is the best way to reach these people.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks you very much for your attention.
Edson Oda
Replies
Dear Edson,
I would recommend contacting a hospice in your local area. Your project is one that has complications that you may not be aware of. A couple are privacy laws and the precarious nature of working with someone who is dying on a project that may take considerable time. You cannot depend upon having a patient available to film as they may die at any time. Having more patients that you work with can help with this situation. The privacy laws of the U.S. -- referred to as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) require permission from the patients/families to do a documentary. A hospice cannot just give you access to their patients. So your documentary project will need to establish some relationships with some local hospices or other end-of-life facilities. If you can come to terms as to what is the best way to do your film such that it is beneficial and useful to all involved, this will help you in achieving your goals. Your desire to have the documentary serve other patients is commendable, however, the effort should be also to educate the public on all aspects of the services that end-of-life offers and its benefits to patients and families. Good luck with your project!!
If you are interested we can provide you a free membership to HVA so you have access to our member resources. Let me know if you are interested.
Greg Schneider
HCF Creator
HVA Founder, President