Update 04.01.12: "We are working on getting the dvds burned and available to buy. There will be a page on the website to order/buy them from.There will be two types - very cheap ones, without public screening rights, which are for personal use and to give to medial professionals, friends, others you want to educate and then other dvd's costing a bit more which have public screening rights. These will be available f...or people who want to organise public screenings, although these will not give permission to charge a fee unless this is discussed with us and any profits are given to appropriate biomedical research projects agreed with us. We will list these screenings on the website. If anyone wants to organise a screening please can you contact us through the website contact form http://voicesfromtheshadowsfilm.co.uk/contact/ and tell us your proposed plan. It is possible for people to start organising screenings now, except for in the US. (We haven't sorted out the NTSC conversion yet -it has been causing problems.) "(source: https://www.facebook.com/#!/VoicesfromtheShadows  )

 

This compassionate and moving exposé bears witness to the tragic consequences of psychiatric prejudice and medical ignorance concerning one of the most prevalent illnesses of the 21st century. The film foregrounds the riveting stories of several British families confronting what must be everyone’s worst nightmare: a loved one suffering a life-altering illness that leaves him or her bedridden and in constant pain, with no apparent cure. But what if the medical establishment made the situation worse instead of better? Such are the heartbreaking circumstances of the under-reported controversy surrounding ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), aka chronic fatigue syndrome. Firsthand accounts from patients, caretakers, and medical experts paint a shockingly confused state of affairs—and underscore the urgency and frustration around this issue. A call to action for anyone who cares about the health and wellbeing of their community, this powerful film is equally a tribute to those whose voices must be heard.

 

Voices from the Shadows’ is a breakthrough event. In a compelling and intensely moving one hour feature documentary these hidden voices can at last be heard. It is an act of witness, supported by concerned professionals who illuminate an injustice hidden in our midst. We see for ourselves the love, integrity, determination and courage of the contributors as they bravely share their stories. These are stories of life and death and although difficult to believe in this day and age, they are true: they happened. There are many, many others that remain untold.

"Voices from the Shadows is the most important and significant film on pediatric ME that has ever been produced "–  Prof. Leonard Jason

The film was born of desperation, made by the mother and brother of a severe ME patient. It is an independent and self funded project.  Contributors to the film have helped and participated by being interviewed, by allowing us to use to their documentary material and by giving feedback and approval at every stage.

 

You can see the trailer from 'Voices from the Shadows' - a compassionate and moving exposé, bearing witness to the tragic consequences of psychiatric prejudice and medical ignorance about one of the most prevalent illness of the 21st Century. A film sequel to the book 'Lost Voices from a Hidden Illness'.

You can see the trailer by clicking on the picture : 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The world premiere of ‘Voices from the Shadows’ – a film hailed by US Professor Lenny Jason as “the most important and significant film on paediatric ME that has ever been produced” – will take place at Christopher B Smith Rafael Film Center 1, home of the California Film Institute, on Saturday, October 8.

The film – which forms part of California’s annual Mill Valley Film Festival – has been made by Natalie Boulton, who has a daughter with severe ME, and Josh Biggs. They’re both hoping to be there.

The screening starts at 2pm.

Contributors from this side of the Antlantic feature heavily – including Criona Wilson, Kay Gilderdale, Professor Malcolm Hooper, and MEA paediatric adviser Dr Nigel Speight. There’s a meltingly beautiful score by David Poore. After the film, which only runs for 63 minutes, Stanford University virologist Dr Jose Montaya and David Tuller, who often writes on ME/CFS for the ‘New York Times’, will lead a panel discussion on some of the issues raised.

A video will be made of the whole proceedings to show on the film’s website: www.voicesfromtheshadowsfilm.co.uk