Castro Theatre Presents Screening of New Film 'The Power of Two,' 9/10

San Francisco director/producer Marc Smolowitz presents his new film The Power Of Two on Sat. Sept. 10, 2011 for two screenings at the Castro Theatre - 429 Castro St. in SF 94114. There is a 2:00 pm screening which includes film and Q & A with featured interview subjects The Stenzel Twins - Ana Stenzel and Isa Stenzel Byrnes, and Anna Modlin, and director/producer Marc Smolowitz. In addition there is a second GALA Screening at 7:30 pm that includes film, Q & A, and Live Performances by Soundtrack Musicians Juliette Commagere, Tim Easton, Sara Melson and Haroula Rose. It is preceeded by a 6:00 pm VIP Reception - $125 (includes VIP reception, preferred seating at 7:30 pm screening, and parking (supply limited). General admission (film only) for each screening - $20. Ticket link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/180093 (Note: General Admission for the 7:30 pm screening includes film + live performances for $20)

The Power Of Two on Sat. Sept. 10, 2011 is an Active Cinema at Mill Valley Film Festival Special
Presentation; co-presented by Center for Asian American Media.

Film Background
A story of twin sisters, two cultures, and two new chances at life. The Power Of Two is the inspirational tale of San Francisco Bay Area-based twins who refuse to let a disabling and life-shortening illness get in the way of their quest for a better life. Called to action by their life-saving double lung transplants, they strive to help those still in need of organ transplants and those suffering from CF live improved lives.

Inspired by their 2007 memoir, The Power Of Two offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between
half-Japanese twin sisters Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their battle with the fatal genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) and miraculous survival through double lung transplants. Defying all odds, Ana and Isa have emerged as authors, athletes and global advocates for organ donation, and their connection to the CF and transplant communities provides rare insight into the struggles - and overlooked joys - of chronic illness. The twins' receiving new lungs would have been unlikely in their mother's native country, Japan, where organ donation rates are strikingly low. At the crux of a rising movement to change laws and stigmas, Ana and Isa embark on a tour of Japan to inspire change in the hearts and minds of a culture resistant to transplantation.

Featuring archival footage and probing expert interviews, this directorial debut of Academy Award -
nominated director/producer Marc Smolowitz ("The Weather Underground") presents a multi-faceted portrayal of a society at a tipping point around this triumph of modern medicine. Back in the USA the twins thrive, rejoicing in their ability to breathe with healthy lungs, sharing their story, mentoring others on the same path, and experiencing unexpected life milestones. Evocative without being sentimental, The Power Of Two reveals the twins not as heroines but as authentic women who share our fears about mortality and inspire us to make a difference.

The Power Of Two is a multimedia project, centered around the documentary film that uses powerful, personal storytelling to engage communities in critical discussions and inspires action around organ donation and transplantation, and awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic illnesses. Recent statistics show that 110,000 Americans currently need life saving organ transplants and an average of 18 men, women and children die daily waiting for an organ. While the number of organ donors in the USA is increasing overall, only 37% of Americans 18 and over are registered donors, and the opt-in rate for organ donation in the 18-25 age group has markedly decreased since 2004. There are many public misconceptions about organ donation, and The Power Of Two can be used as a valuable conversation starter for a topic that is often not discussed and widely misunderstood. It also illuminates the need for advancements in the search for a cure for CF, as well as the role of patient and public health advocacy in effecting change and improving care. The film also shows the U.S. health care system at its most promising, a timely perspective for the robust ongoing public discussion around health care.

The Power Of Two is directed by Marc Smolowitz and is produced by Smolowitz and Andrew Byrnes. The executive producer is Chris Kelly; the director of photography is Nickolas Dylan Rossi. The editors are Thomas Eugene Green and Matthew Sultan; the original music is by Tim Easton and Kyle Moorman.

Bios:

The Stenzel Twins
Anabel Mariko Stenzel ("Ana") and Isabel Yuriko Stenzel Byrnes ("Isa" - pronounced "ee-sah") are
identical twins who were born in LA in 1972 to Japanese and German immigrant parents. At three
days old, Ana and Isa were diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a fatal genetic disease that impacts the lungs and pancreas; their doctor told their parents they would be lucky to live to reach 10 years of age. For decades, Ana and Isa struggled to maintain their health with rigorous daily respiratory and digestive treatments. Working together, they survived and thrived into adulthood, graduated from college and graduate school, started careers as a genetic counselor (Ana) and social worker (Isa), and developed loving relationships.

In their mid-20s, however, the twins' health began to decline precipitously. Every breath was difficult. Many of the activities they loved, including hiking and traveling, tried the limits of their stamina. Their passion and will to live remained but CF was relentless. There is no cure for CF. But, in their darkest hour, when their ability to breathe was leaving them, Ana and Isa received the gift of new life and new breath in the form of double lung transplants in 2000 and 2004, respectively. Because of the generosity of their organ donors James and Xavier, and their donors' families, Ana and Isa have survived and are thriving with their new lungs. Their post-transplant activities have included running a half marathon, climbing a 10,000 foot mountain peak, swimming and running in the U.S. Transplant Games, traveling across three continents, and writing their memoir, "The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph Over Cystic Fibrosis," which the U. of Missouri Press published in 2007.

Ana and Isa's experience has influenced them to cherish the following values:
1. Each human interaction is a cherished blessing. 2. Illness has great potential to teach awareness
and appreciation of life. 3. Life is too short to not appreciate every moment- the good and the bad.

Marc Smolowitz - Director/Producer - Marc Smolowitz is an Academy Award-nominated film, TV &
new media producer ("The Weather Underground" 2003, "Trembling Before G-d" 2001), director and
Executive Producer / Consultant to a diverse slate of San Francisco-based media and technology
companies. Most recently, he was the Producer at TellyTopia, a Silicon Valley new media company
specializing in IP-TV and VOD product functionality for cable companies. Currently, he is adjunct
faculty in the Digital Film Making & Video Production program at the Art Institute of California in SF, and serves as Chair of the Board Of Directors of SF Public Press, a local news startup. His new films include "Still Around," a short film compilation that brings together filmmakers working in creative collaboration with people living with HIV/AIDS. More info: http://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsmolowitz.

Follow Marc on twitter - http://twitter.com/marcsmolowitz

NATIONAL SCREENINGS - THE POWER OF TWO
THE POWER OF TWO will have its World Premiere as part of DocuWeeks, the prestigious Academy Award®-qualifying documentary showcase presented by the International Documentary Association (IDA) Starting on August 19, 2011, the film will screen twice a day for seven days in LA and then for 7 days in NYC
- Laemmle Sunset 5 - West Hollywood, CA Aug. 19 - Aug. 25, 2011
- IFC Center -
New York City
Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.