272190 Famous 4A

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 11:36 AM - 11:42 AM

Michael Attie, MFA , Department of English (Film Studies), Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Meet veterans Edward, John, Henry, Angel and George, residents of “Famous 4A,” the hospice unit at Palo Alto Hospice Care Center in California. With an astute sensitivity for his surroundings, director Mike Attie captures the rhythms of hospice life where caring and patient hospital staff pursue one goal; “keyword is comfortable” is the mantra. The patients reflect on finding God before death, reminisce about fishing with the president during World War II, pose for pictures with Miss California and claim minor medical victories. Famous 4A captures the bond shared between patients and caregivers, grown children and their ailing parents, and challenges stereotypes of aging and dying. The film is a universal look at seeking out humor, truth, purpose, uplift and grace in the final moments of life.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
Discuss palliative care approaches for older adults and the impact they have on patients and their family members.

Keywords: End-of-Life Care, Veterans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I completed this film as my thesis project for my MFA degree in Documentary Film Production. During my graduate studies I also worked as a media producer/video editor for the Hospice and Palliative Care Program, gaining insight into the role of these services in health care.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4110.2: US Film Festival Session 4