East Hampton - "In My Hands: A Story of Marfan Syndrome," directed and produced by
Brenda Siemer Schieder, made its world premiere at the 17th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) on Monday. Executive produced by well-known choreographer
Ann Reinking, the film addresses the effects that the disorder's profound physical appearance has on its victims.
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Christian Scheider was all smiles at Monday's premiere. |
Siemer Scheider (wife of the late actor
Roy Scheider) previously produced "I Know A Song" about her mother's Alzheimer's disease, which was a finalist at the American Film Festival.
Marfan Syndorme is a genetic disorder of the body's connective tissue which causes overgrowth of bones and the risk of severe heart problems, among other effects. It is estimated that one in 5,000 people in the United States are afflicted with the disorder, and the stories of a few families in the film are handled with both compassion and sensitivity by Siemer Scheider. Kudos to our local 'home town girl' for directing a film that addresses a heart-wrenching issue with such professional integrity and personal grace.
The film follows the story of a group of children and adults living with the disease, including Reinking's son,
Chris, and further addresses Reinking's efforts to organize a dance troupe with a group of kids with Marfan Syndrome.
Additional producer is
Emma Morris, an Emmy-Award winning producer, director and editor whose work includes the feature documentary "Something Within Me," cinematographer
Alex Rappoport, editor
Syndi Pilar, and music by
John Kander,
Eric Satie and
Jeffrey Saver.
The film was preceded by "Smile: A Story of Roy Scheider," (best known for "Jaws" and "All That Jazz"), and was also directed by Siemer Scheider which takes a tongue-in-cheek look at morality (and movie immortality) by way of tribute to the Academy Award-nominated Scheider, his terminal struggle with multiple melanoma and his screen acting debut.
Guest (Gerri) from Washungton, DC says:
my son-in-law was told a few weeks ago that he has Marfan Syndorme. He parts of his body had stop functioning little by little over a period of years and he kept ignoring it (saying that it was arthritis) but he started feeling sicker about two months ago(that was when my duaghter insist the he get an exam) and he was told the diagnois then. He had surgery last Thursday and is on his way to recovery. Thank you for putting info out about this disorder. Now,my granddaughter will be examined for this disorder (since it is genetic).By the way his father died 3 years ago and he had Marfan Syndorme. Will the film feature in Washington,DC?i SURELY HOPE SO.