This feature documentary follows Canadian actress Babz Chula to Kerala, India, where she is to undergo treatment by a renowned Ayurvedic healer in an effort to manage her 6-year battle with cancer. The bare-bones Indian clinic at first disappoints, but Babz is uplifted as her condition seemingly shows marked signs of improvement following treatment and introspection. Returning home, however, it is revealed that her cancer has actually advanced. Amazingly, the irrepressible actress invites filmmaker Anne Wheeler to continue bearing witness to her journey into the unknown.
Ages 16 to 18
Family Studies/Home Economics - Aging/Death and Dying
Health/Personal Development - Disease Prevention
Media Education - Documentary Film
How does the opportunity to share her story help Babz deal with her difficult condition? Anne Wheeler has to balance her demands as a filmmaker and as a friend (38:10). How does this affect the documentary? What does it mean that “the actor has left the stage” (50:00)? Ask students to study the lyrics of “Closer to the Light” by Bruce Cockburn. Why is this an appropriate choice to end the movie?