Susan

Competition Feature: Documentary

Friday, September 18th 2:45pm - 4:15pm

Set against the backdrop of Oklahoma’s glowing sunsets, a lush ribbon of river in southwest Missouri, and the sugary sands of Panama City Beach, Florida, follow the story of a family’s fascinating history and how the past plays into current-day dynamics that have to exist because of their matriarch’s involuntary life journey, and unorthodox life planning. The subject of Susan, Susan Suchan, was initially misdiagnosed with early onset Alzheimers, then later with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) disorder, the same as actor Bruce Willis. When Willis’ diagnosis went public, it brought a new level of awareness to FTD and PPA. Filmed over the course of several years, Susan will continue to bring awareness to FTD and PPA. In dramatic fashion, Susan puts a face to FTD, turning on its head the idea that someone with a diagnosis like this doesn’t have a voice. Susan Suchan also advocated tirelessly for others.

Produced by: Russ Kirkpatrick

Genre: Documentary

Run time: 89 minutes

Awards: Top Indie Film Awards Official Selection

Connect: @susansdoc, susandoc.com

Meet the Filmmaker

A member of the Producers Guild of America, Russ Kirkpatrick is an Emmy Award Winning American Film Producer and Director, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kirkpatrick is producing and directing multiple film projects simultaneously in different stages of production. His work in filmmaking has taken him from Kyiv, Ukraine and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to the British Overseas Territories and myriad locations across the continental United States. Using nearly 30 years of experience as a TV & radio news journalist – combined with investments and risk management in financial services – he now oversees day-to-day operations for Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions. Kirkpatrick & Kinslow produces feature movies, documentaries, and content for television.

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