Making a documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is difficult, inspiring

Posted on Apr 14, 2010 by Susie Collins in Blog, Kimberly Shaw, MCS, Media/Videos

I started this filmmaking journey out of passion: a passion to have people educated and informed about MCS, a passion to have people with MCS heard, and a passion to have the change begin with us.

By contributor Kimberly Shaw.

At a recent film festival someone asked me,”What it is like to make a documentary about MCS while having MCS?” At the time I just expressed it was DIFFICULT! Making a film is a challenge to begin with then add into that the need for a fragrance-free chemical-free film crew, travel (and the stresses involved with traveling with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity!), equipment that will not bother people with sensitivities, concern about protecting and keeping safe the people we are interviewing and then planning how to keep myself safe. It is difficult!

Later, I thought more about the question. Yes, it is difficult, but worthwhile endeavors tend to be challenging. I started this filmmaking journey out of passion: a passion to have people educated and informed about MCS, a passion to have people with MCS heard, and a passion to have the change begin with us. I thought, “I may not be able to do much for those with MCS, but I can do this!”

As it turns out, though, making a documentary about MCS has been one of the greatest learning and growing experiences of my life. I used to think I knew a lot about MCS, but every time I interview someone with MCS, I learn something new. Sometimes the information coming at me is overwhelming. I wish I could do a ten-part series rather than try to convey what needs to be conveyed in one documentary.

With each person with MCS I meet, I am reminded about what is important: clean air, pure water, natural organic food, a safe place to live, community and love. The MCS community is amazing! If you are having a tough day you can always find a MCS friend on Facebook or The Canary Report. We are no longer alone and isolated! We may struggle to have a safe place to live, but we always have a home online with others who understand.

In the process of making the film, I have discovered that people without MCS are interested in learning about MCS. Most people can relate in some small way. They might have a relative or someone they work with who gets headaches from perfume or they know of someone who cannot be around new carpet. They are curious! They are ready to be educated!

Making a documentary about MCS is very inspiring. The people I have met with MCS are strong, talented, amazing people. Everyday is a battle and they are winning (well, most of the time, we all have our bad days!). It reminds me of how far I have come in my journey and that there is always hope. I used to hardly be able to leave the house and now I am traveling and making a documentary!

Next time someone asks me about making a film on MCS while having MCS, I think I will smile and say, “It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life!” However, if they ask me what it is like to attend a film festival with MCS, I will reply, “Difficult!”

Update on the documentary:

We are hoping to finish all the interviews by the end of this summer and have editing done by late October. If you live in any of the following places, have MCS and are willing to be interviewed, please contact me: New Mexico, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Seattle, Washington state, Arizona, Maui (or nearby island), California (especially southern CA) or Alaska.

~~~

Learn more about my documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity at Adventurous Canary Productions. Come visit me at my blogs Adventurous Canary and Serendipity.

If you enjoyed this post, please read these related stories:

Interview for documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity I was interviewed this week for film that will delve into the often overlooked and...
Documentary film: Allergic to the 21st Century Documentary on Electromagnetic Sensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity made for United Kingdom's Channel-4....
Documentary film: Crude Video: A true story about systematic poisoning....
Metamorphosis inside Multiple Chemical Sensitivity By guestblogger Eva Caballe. My most radical metamorphosis was when I fell ill with Multiple...
Documentary film: The Idiot Cycle "Everyone should know that the 'war on cancer' is largely a fraud." -Dr. Linus Pauling,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Film, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

21 Responses to “Making a documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is difficult, inspiring”

jacki

15. Apr, 2010

KIM,
THANK YOU for all your passion and dedication on this project..
you are our VOICE on Film …I look forward to viewing it..

much love and energy to you..xooxox jj

Reply to this comment
Bill Stenwick

15. Apr, 2010

Kim,

This is a great idea, and REALLY necessary of we are ever to call attention to MCS. When my wife Corina got MCS it totally changed everything. All of our retirement plans are now indefinitely on hold. We are both retired international business executives and not given to hysteria, but this is really awful, and there are many cases vastly worse than Corina’s.

Thanks for your efforts,

Bill

Reply to this comment
Linda

15. Apr, 2010

Kimberly, hope you still plan on coming to the North Eastern states like Delaware. hugs, Linda

Reply to this comment
Dana

15. Apr, 2010

How do I get ahold of you?! I am so excited that you are doing this! I live in colorado and my brother and I both have MCS. I have never heard of anyone as bad as my brother and would be amazed if you have too. He doesn’t know how much longer he will be alive because his MCS is that horrible. He doesn’t think there is any hope for him. My brother has spent thousands, and I really do mean thousands, of hours researching MCS and trying to find a cure which he has been experimenting on me and I have to tell you, it is unbelievable! I can see it working and changing my life. He though, is so bad it is not working like it should on himself. I really want to get in contact with you because I think my brother would be huge to this documentary. I am scared for my brother and I really don’t want to have to tell my kids one day that he has gone to heaven. If you read this please email me at dspeaker2004@yahoo.com.

Thanks,
Dana

Reply to this comment
Kerry

15. Apr, 2010

Thank you Kim for your work, for the hope and inspiration it gives those of us with MCS. It sure made me smile this morning. I can’t wait to watch the documentary!

Reply to this comment
Connie Rae

15. Apr, 2010

Kimberly! Thank you for doing this. My prayers and best wishes are behind you as you travel and gather material for the documentary. HUGS

Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

15. Apr, 2010

Thank you Connie Rae, Kerry, Linda, Bill and Jacki for your comments!

Bill, I am so sorry MCS has turned your retirement into a difficult situation. I hope Corina gets better!! MCS certainly has a way of turning lives upside down and inside out.

Linda, we are REALLY really REALLY hoping to get to the Northeast!! Just hoping for some “serendipity” to make it happen!

Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

15. Apr, 2010

Dana, I emailed you, but if you did not get it for some reason. You can contact me at either of the following:

kimberlyshaw@gmail.com or kimberly@adventurouscanary.com

Thanks!!

Reply to this comment
Katrina

15. Apr, 2010

Thank you for being our voice, Kimberly! Best wishes to you as you finish the film.

Reply to this comment
Kris

15. Apr, 2010

Kimberly, This is exciting! If you want to include South Dakota I am all for it!

Reply to this comment
Vickie Fowles

15. Apr, 2010

I am so excited about your documentary and I applaud your efforts. I tried to contact you previously, but had difficulty in doing so. I asked my hubby for help. I don’t know if you received my message. I live in California.

Thanks again for the wonderful educational work you are doing!

Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

16. Apr, 2010

Thank you Katrina!

Kris, hmmm, I like South Dakota, will consider a summer road trip there.

Vickie, You can contact me at either of the following:
kimberlyshaw@gmail.com or kimberly@adventurouscanary.com

Reply to this comment
Jeanne

16. Apr, 2010

Kimberly,

It is just awesome that you are making a documentary about MCS. It is crucial that people be educated about it. What you’re doing is very exciting!! I’m sending positive energy your way!

Jeanne

Reply to this comment
celia

16. Apr, 2010

bless your heart! I am so amazed and impressed. Sorry I’m so far away, but I’m glad others can help. I talk too much anyway–

Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

19. Apr, 2010

Thank you, Jeanne and Celia!!

Reply to this comment
ButILOOKGood

22. Apr, 2010

Hi Kimberly!

We have talked before.

My hubby and I are in Colorado and look forward to meeting you! He is the Founder of The Invisible Disabilities Advocate (http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org) which launched The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign (http://www.CleanerIndoorAir.org).

I sent you an email on 4/15. See you soon! ~Sherri

Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

07. May, 2010

Official dates for interviews in Seattle and Anchorage areas:
Seattle area – May 16th to 18th
Anchorage area – May 19th to 25th
Seattle area – May 26th and 27th

If you live in either of these areas and are open to being interviewed, please contact me asap! Thanks!

Reply to this comment
- brooke
  
  11. May, 2010
  
  Hello,
  I recently talked with Anne Stieneman, and she sugested that I try and find a MCS support group…… i am currently living in Seattle, & became “allergic” to my profession of (18yrs) . I’ve been receiving workers comp since Feb/07.
  I am desperate….. plain and simple. L & I keeps invalidating any and all of my suggestions to look beyond
  their Asthma diagnosis…… because “we” (MCS sufferers)all know it’s so much more than that. I am afraid for my future, health wise, as well as my future independence. My anxioty has hit the top, depression, body aches, rashes/ hives, overwhelm, and inability in making a desicons. im lost. im no longer living my life, i’m watching it go by. stuck in seattle. I’m difficult to reach by email. as i rarely communicate in this format……. but need direction & help….
  brooke
  
  Reply to this comment
  - Susie Collins
    
    12. May, 2010
    
    Aloha Brooke and thank you for stopping by.
    
    I am so sorry to hear about your health. I would love to provide some support for you, so I’d like to invite you to come join our online community. You can click on the link below to join. There you will find a thriving community of people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity who will understand exactly what you are experiencing. Everyone is very friendly and supportive. You can ask questions on our forum and get answers right away. We may even be able to find someone in your area that could meet with you and talk.
    
    So come sign up, I’ll keep and eye out for you! Take heart, you’ll find a lot of comfort and support in our community.
    
    http://thecanaryreport.ning.com/
    
    Aloha,
    Susie
    
    Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

14. May, 2010

Brooke,

I will be arriving in Seattle this Sunday. Even if you are not interested in being interviewed for the documentary, I’d love to get together and talk.

Warmly,
Kimberly
kimberly@adventurouscanary.com

Reply to this comment
Kimberly Shaw

25. Jun, 2010

Upcoming Travel:

Huntington Beach/ Orange County area: June 26th to July 2nd

Hawaiian Islands – July 4th to July 13th

Colorado – Late July to early August

Montana – Early August

If you live in any of the areas, have MCS and are open to being interviewed, please contact me.

Thanks!
Kimberly
kimberlyshaw@gmail.com

Reply to this comment