Originally posted: June 2017
The following interview was posted on ProHealth.com back in 2017. Fast forward 5 years and the dream has become a reality. Invisible the Film documentary is making its World Premier on December 9th, 2022 in New York City. Read the interview below and then check out https://www.invisible-film.com/ for all of the information on how you can watch Invisible.
1. What was your inspiration for making this film?
The film’s original inspiration came from Megan Densmore, one of our subjects in the film. She has had Fibromyalgia since she was a teen and had the idea to create the film. She is a close friend to our lead producer, Pallavi, who loved the idea, and then approached me. What Pallavi didn’t know is that my mother suffers with Fibromyalgia. I immediately was interested in directing the project.
2. What does the title, Invisible mean to you?
It is two fold. Fibromyalgia is an invisible syndrome. You literally can not tell if someone is suffering from it. On the outside people with the syndrome look normal, but internally they are in great pain. Additionally the Fibromyalgia community is invisible. Between 8 and 10 million Americans suffer from this, but most do so in hiding.
3. How did you conduct research about fibromyalgia and those living with it?
We started with people we knew like Megan and my mother, and then we reached out to the community from there. I have also met with rheumatologists, pain specialists, nutritionists and both western and holistic doctors. Plus tons of reading, watching any video I can get my hands on and interviewing 100s of people.
4. We know that fibromyalgia does not discriminate. What diversity do you show in the film?
We are profiling people ranging in age from late 20s to late 60s, from different ethnicities, sexual orientations and genders.
5. Can you tell us a little about the plot? The characters?
The film has become quite personal. The audience will follow my search for answers to help my mother. Along the way I meet a young athlete, an immigrant, and a human rights advocate among others.
6. How will the film be distributed?
We are not yet certain. Right now we are looking at completing the film. That said if you go on to our website at www.invisible-film.com we have an online form that people can fill out to help us show interest for the film in your community. The more people and places that show interest, the more likely we are to get distribution.
7. Who is the film’s audience?
First and foremost the fibromyalgia community and their loved ones. Beyond that, we specifically hope medical professionals will view the film as education to help people with Fibromyalgia. And finally, more of the world at large. Our hope is to take this invisible syndrome to the visible, so that people can understand and have more compassion for those suffering.
8. What message do you want the audience to have after seeing the film?
I hope that it gets people talking about Fibromyalgia. I hope that it advocates for those afflicted to get the best care possible. And I hope that it opens minds about the syndrome.
9. What has been the most important thing you have learned while making this film?
Oh, wow! There are so many. I think that fibromyalgia is so difficult to pin down because it manifests itself differently in people. And there is no one way to treat it either, consequently.
10. How can others help the film, Invisible?
Donations are always needed. I want to thank everyone who has donated! This film has made it this far basically all on donations. $5, $10, or $20,000, would all be helpful! Also, going on to our website and filling out an interest form as I mentioned earlier would be of great help. And, of course following us on social media.
Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life 