Bearing Witness: Robert Coley-Donohue
This feature documentary is a portrait of Robert Coley-Donohue a man living with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, a fatal degenerative neuro-muscular disease that strikes two in 100,000 people. The film follows Robert over the last 3 years of his life. His experience is arduous, but also filled with hope and healing. If, like Robert, we can face death with grace and the comfort of family and friends, then death will hold less fear.
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This feature documentary is a portrait of Robert Coley-Donohue a man living with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, a fatal degenerative neuro-muscular disease that strikes two in 100,000 people. The film follows Robert over the last 3 years of his life. His experience is arduous, but also filled with hope and healing. If, like Robert, we can face death with grace and the comfort of family and friends, then death will hold less fear.
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directorDan Curtis
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writerJim Osborne
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cameraDan Curtis
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soundDan Curtis
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picture editingDan Curtis
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music composerTobin Stokes
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producerPierre LapointeAdam Symansky
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executive producerSally Bochner
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sound editorDon Ayer
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re-recordingJean Paul Vialard
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online editorDenis PilonDenis Gathelier
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digital editing technicianPhyllis Lewis
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title designGaspard Gaudreau
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post-production coordinatorLinda Payette
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program administratorMarie Tonto-DonatiNickie Merulla
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production clerkSia Koukoulas
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transcriptionSusan Panneton
Warnings: Emotional content. Robert and his children cry several times as the ALS progresses, and Robert also cries during a visit to his wife’s grave.
Summary with teaching points
This documentary follows Robert as he deteriorates after a diagnosis of ALS. After viewing the film, students can discuss the impact ALS has on mental health and on the family and friends. As Robert’s disease progresses, he loses independence. Students could discuss the role of society in caring for those who are dying. In the end Robert decides to have the G-tube removed. Discuss the rights dying people have as their body fails them. Students could research ALS or other progressive diseases. Have there been changes in the treatment of ALS since the film was made?
