Memento Mori
With remarkable access to Canada’s busiest organ-transplant hospital, this documentary brings viewers face-to-face with stories of life and death, and the impossible decisions that tragedy demands. From the very beginning to the final frame, filmmaker Niobe Thompson grips viewers in a relentless, emotional embrace and propels them from moments of unexpected joy to unbearable heartbreak.
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With remarkable access to Canada’s busiest organ-transplant hospital, this documentary brings viewers face-to-face with stories of life and death, and the impossible decisions that tragedy demands. From the very beginning to the final frame, filmmaker Niobe Thompson grips viewers in a relentless, emotional embrace and propels them from moments of unexpected joy to unbearable heartbreak.
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directorNiobe Thompson
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executive producerRosie DransfeldDavid Christensen
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producerRosie DransfeldBonnie Thompson
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director of photographyaAron MunsonSergio Olivares
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editorScott Parker
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writerNiobe Thompson
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composerJonathan Kawchuk
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assistant editorEsther Viragh
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additional camera workDaron DonahueTamarra Canu
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production managerSandra Tober
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production coordinatorEsther Viragh
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production assistantTamarra CanuDylan Rhys HowardMyles Belland
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location sound recordingPhilip DransfeldCarey Opper
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audio post productionJohnny Blerot Sound Inc.
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sound designJohn Blerot
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sound mixJohn Blerot
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additional sound designJonathan Kawchuk
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sound editorJohn BlerotPerry BlackmanIain PattisonJordan IveyChris Szott
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musicianChristine HansonKeri ZwickerJennifer McMillanNeda YamachRafael HoekmanDianne NewAndrew ReidClayton LeungJosh Rapanos
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colour gradingJoe Owens
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online mastersJoe Owens
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graphicsScott Portingale
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production accountantRichard Warburton
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production bookkeeperHui Min
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production solicitorNorman Bishop
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visual researchGina Cali
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production stillsTamarra Canu
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marketing managerMelissa Wheeler
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post-production co-ordinatorGinette D'SilvaJasmine PullukattFaye Yoneda
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production supervisorMark PowerEsther Viragh
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centre administratorBree Beach
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centre operations managerDarin Clausen
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executive directorMichelle van BeusekomJennifer Dettman
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director of productionAlexandra Lane
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director of financeJulie Lawlor
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production executiveBruce Cowley
Warning: Depictions of death and dying, surgery, organs/blood
Brief “lesson launcher type” activity or a series of inquiry questions with a bit of context:
This documentary explores organ donation by interviewing the families, individuals and medical professionals involved in the process, and looks at the future of organ transplants and the role of science and technology.
- What is the history of organ transplantation in humans? How has the technology advanced? Describe some of the advances explored in this documentary, which was released in 2016, and any advancements made since then.
- What are the ethical questions involved in connecting the family of the organ donor with the recipient? Should this process be encouraged or discouraged? Why?
- Why do you think there is a shortage of organ donors? What should be done to encourage people to donate their organs to save the lives of others?