Film | The Canary Report

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

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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.

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

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Tags: Film, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Adventurous Canary interviews MCS researcher Martin Pall

Posted on Oct 24, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Kimberly Shaw, MCS, Media/Videos

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Interview with Martin Pall.

Post by Kimberly Shaw.

I had the privilege and honor to meet and interview Professor Martin Pall today for my documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. The interview went wonderfully well. His research is groundbreaking and really changes the tide in the scientific world in regards to MCS!

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

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Tags: Film, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Research

Documentary film: Allergic to the 21st Century

Posted on Oct 02, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Disability Rights, MCS, Media/Videos, Susie Collins

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Videos: Documentary on Electromagnetic Sensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity made for United Kingdom’s Channel-4.

“Allergic to the 21st Century” is produced and directed by Anne-Claire Pilley and features Sarah Dacre (at left), Roger Moller and Adrian Gray.

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Tags: Air, Chemicals, Environment, Environmental Health, Environmental Medicine, Film, Home, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Personal Care, Pesticides, Policy, Products, Research, Sick Building, Toxic, Video, Work

Interview for documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Posted on Sep 19, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Kimberly Shaw, MCS, Media/Videos, Susie Collins

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I was interviewed this week for film that will delve into the often overlooked and misunderstood condition of chemical sensitivity.

Kimberly Shaw came to my home on Wednesday and interviewed me for her documentary film on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I loved meeting her and her husband. They were so very kind and patient with me during the interview!

I loved showing them my MCS-safe home and gardens, and talking with them about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and the impact of it on all our lives. On the previous day, I’d put out requests through our social network and Facebook for topics that the flock wanted me to discuss. There were over 50 responses altogether! I think I covered just about everything that was suggested over the course of the interview.

It’s an honor to be included in the documentary and I think Kimberly is on her way to a successful and much needed film. Brava!

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Tags: Chemicals, Children's Health, Environmental Illness, Film, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Documentary film: Crude

Posted on Sep 09, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Environment, Media/Videos, Susie Collins

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A true story about systematic poisoning.

As someone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I understand completely the statement in this trailer, “These people have been systematically poisoned.” Products containing petrochemicals are a big problem for people with MCS. We also know well the statement, “When you look at the science, they cannot really prove their case.” Bull dinkies. The science is there, we just need it to be recognized and used as a foundation for making policy regarding toxic chemicals, including oil.

It is a government’s responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. Period.

Link

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Tags: Chemicals, Children's Health, Environment, Environmental Health, Film, Law, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Policy, Pollution, Products, Research, Stink, Toxic, Video, Water

Documentary film: No Impact Man

Posted on Sep 01, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Environment, Media/Videos

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Author Colin Beavan, in research for his new book, began the No Impact Project in November 2006. A newly self-proclaimed environmentalist who could no longer avoid pointing the finger at himself, Colin leaves behind his liberal complacency for a vow to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year. No more automated transportation, no more electricity, no more non-local food, no more material consumption no problem. That is, until his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two year-old daughter are dragged into the fray. Laura Gabbert and Justin Scheins film provides a front row seat into the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colins and Michelles struggle with this radical lifestyle change.

Link

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Tags: Air, Chemicals, Environment, Environmental Health, Film, Healthy Living, Home, Indoor Pollution, Policy, Products, Toxic, Video

Breathtaking documentary on the state of the planet: HOME

Posted on Aug 18, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Environment, Media/Videos, Susie Collins

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Don’t miss this film! HOME. It’s available to watch in its entirety at YouTube.

Here’s the trailer:

Click here to watch the film in its entirety, 1 hour, 33 minutes. Be sure to click on the icon at the bottom right of the box for full view.

TO DEBATE AND TAKE ACTION TOGETHER ON THE GOODPLANET FUNDATION FORUM : http://www.goodplanet.org/en

We are living in exceptional times. Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth’s climate. The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being. For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film. HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand, GoodPlanet Fundation President

HOME is a carbon offset movie

Subtitles : http://www.goodplanet.org/I…

The movie will be available until July 15th.

Website: http://www.home-2009.com

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Tags: Environment, Environmental Health, Film, Policy, Pollution, Research, Toxic, Video

French film: Our Children Will Accuse Us

Posted on Aug 05, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Environment, Government Regulation, Media/Videos, Social Justice

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French movie: Nos Enfants Nous Accuseront, Our Children Will Accuse Us (with English subtitles) about the affects of agricultural chemicals on children.

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Tags: Air, Asthma, Chemicals, Children's Health, Environment, Environmental Health, Environmental Illness, Film, Pesticides, Policy, Pollution, Toxic, Video, Work

Adventurous canary to make film about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Posted on Jul 06, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Kimberly Shaw, MCS, Media/Videos, Susie Collins

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Film will delve into the often overlooked and misunderstood condition of chemical sensitivity.

Adventurous Canary Productions announces the making of a film about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Filmmaker Kimberly Shaw was diagnosed with MCS in the mid-1990s. She has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Health and is currently earning a master of science degree.

This film project will produce both short and feature-length documentaries about real people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Our purpose is to create awareness with the hope of inspiring change.

No longer confined to laboratories, chemicals today make our food prettier, our perfumes and personal care products cheaper, and our lawns and golf courses pest and weed-free. We are increasingly surrounded by authorized and unauthorized chemicals which not only impact our environment, but also directly impact us. While most are unaware, there are some who are increasingly sensitive that live as canaries among us.

This film will delve into an often overlooked and misunderstood condition of chemical sensitivity, explaining what MCS is and how it originates, what its diverse symptoms are and how people deal with it in their everyday lives. The documentary will share recent discoveries from health care professionals and MCS experts while taking a personal and compassionate look at the modern day canaries in our chemical coalmine and the “safer” havens they have created to live in.

The film’s working title is Environmentally Not Safe. The filmmakers are looking for people with MCS and experts on the subject to interview. If you would be willing to donate your time for an interview, please contact Kimberly at info@adventurouscanary.com.

Kimberly is a member of The Canary Report’s social network, where she generously shares her knowledge about safe products, housing and other health issues.

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Tags: Film, Health, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Support

A Chemical Reaction

Posted on Jul 01, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Media/Videos, Products

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A Chemical Reaction is a documentary movie scheduled for release in 2009 that tells the story of one of the most powerful and effective community initiatives in the history of North America.

Link to the movie’s website

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Tags: Chemicals, Children's Health, Environment, Film, Home, Pollution, Toxic, Video

Movie: Food, Inc., opening June 12

Posted on Jun 11, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, Food, Home & Garden, Media/Videos

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We’ve never had food companies this powerful in our history.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won’t go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield’s Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms’ Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it’s produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

Link