NPR’s Diane Rehm’s film headlines HHP documentary film festival

As host of her long-running show on National Public Radio, Diane Rehm has explored countless ideas and issues that have made an impact on culture, politics, our world and our lives. In the documentary film “When My Time Comes,” she delves into decisions we make for the end of our lives.

On Feb. 20, she’ll virtually visit the College of Health and Human Performance at East Carolina University to talk about the film and living well — and dying well — as part of the college’s Aging Well Together initiative’s documentary film festival, running Feb. 17–20.

In addition to “When My Time Comes,” two other documentaries, “95 AND 6 TO GO,” and “Life and Death in Assisted Living,” are featured. Each film will be shared online so that viewers can watch at their convenience. Virtual discussions will follow, featuring filmmakers, service providers and ECU faculty.

“With the U.S. population aging, it’s more important than ever to have these conversations about aging and end-of-life care early and often with our loved ones so that we can be proactive about our choices. While it may be difficult to start these conversations, we hope our film festival and panel discussions will provide our eastern North Carolina community with some talking points to start these conversations with their loved ones,” said Bhibha Das, initiative co-director and associate professor of kinesiology.

In “95 AND 6 TO GO,” a widower’s memories become intertwined with the fictional screenplay his granddaughter is writing. Shot over six years in Honolulu, this intimate meditation on absence and family expands the vernacular of the “home movie” to consider how history is accumulated in the everyday and how sparks of humor and creativity can animate an ordinary life. The film’s director, Kimi Takesue, and Rashmita Basu, public health faculty member at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, will share their experience and expertise in a virtual discussion on Feb. 18.

“Life and Death in Assisted Living” is a PBS/FRONTLINE and ProPublica investigation into the multi-billion-dollar assisted living industry. Amanda Biggs, Project C.A.R.E family consultant, and Laura Jett, long-term care ombudsman, from the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging will talk about caregiving and resources in the region on Feb. 19.

Diane Rehm, in a still photo from “When My Time Comes.” (Photos courtesy of Diane Naughton)

“When My Time Comes” depicts Diane Rehm’s exploration of the issue of medical aid in dying. This is an option for terminally ill patients with six months or less to live who are able to make their own medical decisions and meet certain other legally prescribed criteria. Available to over 20% of the U.S. population, it is an option that John Rehm, Diane’s husband of 54 years, wanted but could not have before he died in 2014.

Diane Rehm, along with David Grube, national medical director of Compassion and Choices, film director Joe Fab and executive producer Diane Naughton will discuss the film and their experiences on Feb. 20.

“We hope that this film festival will reach individuals of all ages. The topics explored in each film are ageless and timeless,” said initiative co-director Abby Schwartz, assistant professor and coordinator of the gerontology program in the School of Social Work. “Contemplating the deep-rooted connections between ourselves and family members over the life course, confronting placing a loved one in a long-term care setting and managing end-of-life challenges are part of the human experience. Regardless of attendees’ ages, I believe there is something in each film that will resonate with all who attend, in an ‘a-ha’ moment that they can apply to their own lives and experiences.”

For details and film and discussion links, visit https://go.ecu.edu/AWTFilmFest.