Filmmakers Look to Help Cancer Survivors Tell Their Own Stories

In the scheme of human history, filmmaking is still a very young art form but it's proven a powerful means of storytelling — a form of expression as old as mankind. 

A group of Farmington Valley based filmmakers, actors and enthusiasts have now started an effort to help cancer survivors tell their own stories by recording, producing and editing movies, whether it's for a family and friends or a wider audience. 

"The main thing is to tell their own story," said Brian Spectre of Atlantian Films, a resident of Avon. 

While Spectre and crew are working on a major feature film, its the new offshoot, the non-profit Cancer Survivors Who Can, that will focus on helping those thrivers, survivors and others tell their own stories. 

Friday night, the non-profit, which in incorporated in Connecticut and is in the midst of obtaining its federal 501 (c) 3 status, held its first major fundraiser at a private home in Simsbury. Guests donated to the cost, local businesses provided food and services and a few auctioned off prizes for the effort, all of which resulted in some $3,000 for the cause, said Maura Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the non-profit. 

She said the effort makes sense on so many levels. Atlantian Films has the equipment and the volunteers to teach the skills, she said.

"We're an organization that has the tools," she said. 

Those involved feel the effort is important on many levels. In addition to often life-threatening illness, cancer patients offer suffer from discrimination, physical challenges and depression. 

"The whole idea is to pull people out of that so they can be around other people and share their stories," said Fitzgerald, a resident of Simsbury. 

Fitzgerald said the organization's most immediate need is for computers and software. 

One supporter who came Friday night was Jim Ferris, a friend of Fitzgerald's who plays Timone in the New York City production of The Lion King. 

He said he certainly knows people affected by cancer, loves the idea and is at a point in his life where he can offer some help.

"I want to see this thrive," Ferris said.