Out of Competition

A LIFE WITHOUT PAIN



Melody Gilbert

Country of production: USA
Year: 2005
Language: English
Mins: 65

Production company: Frozen Feet Films
Producer: Melody Gilbert
Cinematography: Melody Gilbert, Adrian Danciu, Matt Ehling
Editing: Melody Gilbert, Charlie Gerszweski, Todd Grabe Post Audio (sound): Paul Dahlseid
Sound: Melody Gilbert
Music: Dan Solovitz

Source: Gilbert, Melody
1794 Sargent Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
e-mail: melody@frozenfeetfilms.com


What happens when a person can’t feel pain? This documentary is an exploration into the day-to-day lives of three children who literally feel no pain. Three-year-old Gabby from Minnesota, 7-year-old Miriam from Norway and 10-year-old Jamilah from Germany suffer from the rare genetic defect Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIPA). Their parents have tried to monitor their every move, but even their vigilance hasn’t shielded the girls from many serious, life-altering injuries. As we follow these families coping with this enormous challenge, we learn that pain is really a gift that no one wants, but that none of us can do without.

Melody Gilbert is an award-winning director and educator. Her previous films have garnered national attention and even generated controversy. Her 2003 film WHOLE, which aired on the Sundance Channel and on dozens of television stations overseas, drew shocked comments from Rush Limbaugh and sparked heated discussion on MSNBC.com and Slate.com. WHOLE (www.whole-documentary.com) introduced the world to physically healthy people who are obsessed with the idea of becoming an amputee. Gilbert went around the world talking to people with this obsession. The documentary also probed the ethical and medical issues of this psychiatric disorder, which is still so new that it doesn't have an official name.

Filmography:

A LIFE WITHOUT PAIN (2005)
WHOLE (2003)
MARRIED AT THE MALL (2002)

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2005 AT 7.30 PM. / BEVERLY ARTS CENTER
SCREENING WITH THE BOY WHOSE SKIN FELL OFF
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2005 AT 6.00 PM. / CHOPIN THEATRE
SCREENING WITH NO GRAY TWILIGHT