ALS film opening in NY 10/11 and Boston 10/27

[Steve A]

We are makers of the film, So Much So Fast about ALS and the Heywood family’s fight against the disease. Many PALS, CALS and clinicians have seen the film since it premiered at Sundance and have found the film powerful, insightful and inspiring.

The film is opening in New York on October 11 for a week and in Boston on October 27.

You can see more about the film at www.somuchsofast.com

Please help us get word out to the ALS community.

Thanks very much!

Steven Ascher & Jeanne Jordan
Producers/Directors


Here’s the info:

SO MUCH SO FAST
From the Academy Award nominated directors of Troublesome Creek, Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan, comes a new documentary film, So Much So Fast. A black-humored cliffhanger of romance, guerrilla science and the redefinition of time, So Much So Fast unfolds like a nonfiction novel. Stephen Heywood finds out he has ALS. His brother Jamie becomes obsessed with finding a cure. And the woman who’s falling in love with Stephen has a decision to make.


NEW YORK:
One week engagement at the Village East Theater (2nd Ave at 12th St.)
Wednesday 10/11 – Tuesday 10/17 (may be extended)

BOSTON:
One week engagement at West Newton Cinema (Washington St in West Newton)
Friday 10/27 – Thursday 11/2 (may be extended)


Info and trailer at www.somuchsofast.com


“Jaw-droppingly good. Oscar-worthy. You’ll be hearing a lot about So Much So Fast.”
-- Air America

“Gripping, intimate, complex and dramatic.”
-- Claiborne Smith, Sundance Daily Insider

"Five Stars. Amazing! A 2006 Sundance favorite in documentary. Makes the concept of fictional narrative drama seem just a little bit ridiculous." – Box Office Magazine

“A gloriously subversive sense of humor!"
-- The Lancet

Released by Balcony Releasing.

[BobbyB]

http://www.als.net/images/SMSF-Poster.gifhttp://www.als.net/ffc/imageUpload/stephen3.jpg

Documentary by award-winning filmmakers chronicles Heywoods’ battle with ALS and the birth of ALS TDF
"Triumphant!”
- Ty Burr, Boston Globe


Beginning with Stephen Heywood’s ALS diagnosis at the age of 29, the documentary offers a window into the Heywood family’s battle against ALS and the formation of ALS TDF.

Best known for their Academy award nominated film Troublesome Creek, directors Steve Ascher and Jeanne Jordan wanted to make a film about ALS after Jeanne’s mother was diagnosed with ALS.

“We had been looking for a way to express the jaw-dropping impossibility of ALS through film, and in 2000 we came across the Heywoods’ story in the New Yorker,” they say.

Shot over five years, the film also captures the beginnings of ALS TDF, a unique nonprofit biotechnology company founded by Stephen’s brother James. Launched from the basement of the Heywood family’s home in 2000, ALS TDF has grown into a $4 million ALS research center known for its unique processes and innovative approach to translational research.

“This film is perhaps the best expression of our people and passion,” says Heywood.

One of the most powerful aspects of filmmaking is the ability to capture the passage of time and reveal how real life plays out, say Steve and Jeanne. “We look for the layers of meaning in big moments and every day events.”

So Much So Fast is showing in New York October 11 – 17 at the Village East Theatre. In Boston, the film is showing October 27 – November 2 at the West Newton Cinema.

For screening dates across the country, please visit www.somuchsofast.com

Steve Ascher and Jeannie Jordan have generously given permission to ALS TDF to use the film for select fundraisers. If you would like to organize an event at a local theater or in your home please contact Molly Cotter at mcotter@als.net.


http://www.als.net/images/logo-alstdf-longtext-lg.gif
http://www.als.net/articles/articleDetail.asp?articleID=5001

[BobbyB]

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Since the ALS TDF story began seven years ago many of you have asked about my brother Stephen and the beginnings of our revolution in ALS research. And while I have tried my best to capture both in words, there has always been that bit that just can’t be spoken or written.

Despite his paralysis, Stephen continues to be the brother I have always known. Yet the realities of ALS keep many of you from having the pleasure of knowing him in his own right. This year an independent documentary film about Stephen, my family, and the formation of ALS TDF is making it possible for you to meet him in his own voice and words.

The last 7 years have been an amazing journey - together we have made so much happen so fast so I am very excited to introduce you to the aptly named So Much So Fast.

From West City Films: So Much So Fast

http://r.vresp.com/?ALSTDF/bac4ef322a/722190/ee42b50a88/230acf4

From the Academy Award nominated directors of Troublesome Creek, Steven Ascher & Jeanne Jordan, comes a new documentary film, So Much So Fast. A black-humored cliffhanger of romance, guerrilla science and the redefinition of time, So Much So Fast unfolds like a nonfiction novel. Stephen Heywood finds out he has ALS. His brother Jamie becomes obsessed with finding a cure. And the woman who’s falling in love with Stephen has a decision to make.

Made over 5 years, So Much So Fast tracks one family's ferocious response to an orphan disease: the kind of disease drug companies ignore because not there's not enough profit in curing it. In reaction, and with no medical background, Stephen's brother Jamie creates a research group and in two years builds it from three people in a basement to a multi-million dollar ALS research center.

Opening Now In: New York, Boston, Indianapolis, Silver Spring, Fort Wayne, Salem OR and more. Visit http://r.vresp.com/?ALSTDF/9b9fb262af/722190/ee42b50a88/230acf4 for screenings


Thanks to the generosity of the filmmakers, ALS TDF has been given the permission to use the film for a select number of special screenings as fundraisers for the Foundation. If you would like to host a screening to help raise money or awareness for ALS please contact Molly Cotter (mcotter@als.net) at 617-441-7249.

Your friendship and ongoing support make what we started seven years ago possible - thank you.

-jamie

For more information on our current research or to donate please visit our website at http://r.vresp.com/?ALSTDF/3d3b8d1af4/722190/ee42b50a88/230acf4

James Allen Heywood
d'Arbeloff Founding Director
www.als.net - jheywood@als.net