Photo by Jemerica Jackson
By Tevin McKenzie
“Where do you turn when a mysterious dementia is stealing the love of your life?” This question lies at the heart of “Facing the Wind,” a powerful documentary directed by Professor Deirdre Fishel, who spoke about the film at a press conference on October 17 at Shepard Hall. The film explores the challenges faced by individuals living with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and their caregivers, aiming to raise awareness about this pressing public health issue affecting over 1.4 million Americans according to the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center.
“Facing the Wind” provides a voice to those who often go unheard and emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding in the face of such a challenging diagnosis. “I think it’s a love story because there’s so much love,” Fishel said. “There’s love between these couples and there’s love between these women and that whole community.”
Fishel explained that women often take on the role of caregivers, facing immense emotional struggles as their husbands succumb to the effects of dementia. This journey was not the narrative she initially intended to explore. “That is not the movie that I probably would have chosen to do when I started ‘Facing the Wind’,” she explained. “My mother had just died. But when you're following a story, especially when you've already invested a lot of money into shooting, you're going to finish that story out.”
The journey in making “Facing the Wind” shed light on the widespread lack of awareness about LBD, both within the public and medical communities. The disease is often misunderstood and; this adds to the emotional toll on families. "It's widely misdiagnosed because people don't know what's going on and doctors don't know,” Fishel explained. “People even in the medical community don't know about it."
By revealing the raw realities faced by families, the film invites viewers to engage in meaningful discussions about the emotional and psychological burdens associated with dementia. “I initially thought it was going to be a more joyful, resilient film,” Fishel admitted. “But ultimately it was really hard to figure out; the truth is there’s a big movement right now.”
Fishel emphasized the courage of the individuals featured in the film. It captures the intimate and painful realities of caregiving, revealing the resilience and emotional toll of this role. By sharing their vulnerability, this family offers viewers an unfiltered look into the complexities of living with or caring for someone with dementia. “It’s very brave to let the camera in when you’re struggling and let the camera bear witness,” she said. “It really is between being respectful and telling a good story; you don't want people to feel exploited or that you're using them in any way.”
The screenings of “Facing the Wind” will take place at Village East Cinema on November 20 at 6:30 p.m. and at the IFC Center on November 21 at 1:45 p.m., each screening will be followed by a Q&A with the participants, Fishel, and producer Tony Heriza. For more information about the screenings and to access streaming, visit the film's official website.
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