Debra Chasnoff codirected “It’s Elementary: Talking about Gay Issues in School.” Released in 1996, it remains the most highly regarded film and teaching tool available to promote acceptance among young children and provide them with accurate, age-appropriate information about sexual identity issues. Today, 26 years later, the issue couldn’t be more of a hot button, in a political climate arguably worse than ever. (The film can be streamed on Kanopy, by people with a card from a public library that provides access.) Chasnoff went on to continue a successful career in social justice documentary film making until she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2015.
Chasnoff and her wife, Nancy Otto, decide against hearing the prognosis. She agrees to undergo treatment but to go on living her life until such time as that is no longer possible. And as a lifelong documentarian, she enlists friends from her filmmaking circle to document the experience.
The film is nothing like reality TV; although emotional and private moments prevail, the sensitivity of their handling invites us into their world as caring friends. As a result, the film is both inspirational and devastating. In just a bit over an hour, we become part of the family, getting to know “Chas,” her wife, her two grown sons, and the chosen family of friends who lend their support. We visit her doctors, witness procedures, and are present in the moment when she decides it is necessary to her decision-making process to finally hear the prognosis.
Prognosis: Notes on Living is making the rounds at festivals and screened this past weekend at “Wicked Queer” in Boston. For lesbians of a certain age, it was definitely the “must see” offering. I do recommend it to anyone who cares about documentary filmmaking, end offering. I do recommend it to anyone who cares about documentary filmmaking, end-of-life decisions, or queer family. Viewing it is a beautiful and profound experience.
P.S. Follow https://www.facebook.com/CitizenFilm.org.to see where the film will be screened next
Review: Janet ProlmanJanet Prolman was born in Boston, Massachusetts, where her mother nicknamed her “my little queer.” She has also lived in North Carolina and New York. A lover of short stories, theater, music, and performance, she knows the lyrics to almost every song or advertising jingle she’s ever heard. Now on Cape Cod, she enjoys kayaking and frequenting Provincetown.
Labels: 2022, Deborah Chasnoff, documentary, filmmaker's farewell, Janet Prolman, review
