Is there a particular documentary film or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?
Marc Isaacs, Frederik Wiseman
What motivated you to make this film?
For the past 10 years, I’ve witnessed my grandma (92) go from being a force of nature to being exhausted by chronic pain. I began to notice my 9-year-old niece’s tiny gestures towards her – holding her hand walking through the garden, and helping her take of her shoes. Is she aware she’s soon going to die? What does she think happens after death? What do we leave behind when we die?
I became interested in Cryonics as a means of challenging our understanding of death. I began attending numerous meetings, usually closed to the press, in attempt to find out who these people were. What had led them here? Why had they chosen this path?
I deep down expected to step into a cult, consisting of a certain kind of person. To my welcome surprise, I met people from all walks of life, who’d made sacrifices or investments to be there, for whom Cryonics was not a religion, but rather a glimmer of hope.
After several months of casting, I met Nasar and his family at the very last meeting. When I visited them at home, I was moved by their way of discussing philosophical questions together as a family. The kids curiously challenged his own views and shared unique and unfiltered perspectives on death and afterlife. I could sense that Nasar was still deeply grieving his mother, who died 10-years prior at just 67, which had become his own end date in his mind.
At last, he’d found joy and a new family – though all too late in life. When I understood that his fear of death came from being afraid of not being able to see his children grow up, I could fully comprehend his desire to defy death on an emotional level.
For me, the film is about time. About our struggle to come to terms with the fact that we have just 4000 weeks on Earth. I myself am constantly aware of the passing of time. All the books I haven’t read, all the experience I haven’t yet gained. Perhaps making film is my own attempt at immortality? To create something that outlives myself.
We’re all going to die. It’s the one thing we all have in common. Even still, it’s not something usually we talk about or address. To make the most of life, we need to deal with death. Fear of death can paralyze us and prevent us from living life. The film is a call to live and be present, whilst we are alive.
Please tell us what camera(s) you shot with primarily – and any other special equipment that you used and why you used it.
Sony FX6
Please tell us about any special styles or techniques that you used during the production of your film to help tell your story.
To spend more time off-camera eating meals, hanging out and watching Bollywood films with them than on-camera, to build up a trust, intimacy and a bond between us.
How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?
No. I really struggled to find the right person, so I thought it would be a multi-character story. But at the very last Cryonics UK meeting I met Nasar and his family and knew immediately the film had to be about them.
Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this film.
Getting to know Nasar’s family and being able to spend time together.
What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?
Follow your intuition.
What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?
The journey of discovery. Being surprised along the way.
What’s the one item you always take with you when working out in the field and why?
Bottle of water.
Please share a personal story about your experience making this film.
I was very close to giving up on the idea. But thankfully I met Nasar at the very last meeting, and from there it was a pleasure.
What do you want audiences to take away from your film?
We’re all going to die. It’s the one thing we all have in common. Even still, it’s not something usually we talk about or address. To make the most of life, we need to deal with death. Fear of death can paralyze us and prevent us from living life. The film is a call to live and be present, whilst we are alive.
Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:
How do we deal with death as a society?
How do we deal with the prospect of our own mortality?
What do you think happens after death?
What is the possibility of Cryonics working – research into freezing sperm, organs and embryos?
Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the film. How have things changed or not changed?
Nasar and his family are in NYC with us attending Oscar shortlisted events etc
What opportunities are available for those interested in getting further involved?
Cryonics UK
Cryonics Institute
Tomorrow Biostasis
Alcor
Please provide any additional resources (websites, links to additional videos, forms, articles, etc.):
Cryonics UK
Cryonics Institute
Tomorrow Biostasis
Alcor
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