Defining Hope (2017)

Defining Hope (2017) poster

We aren't dying the way we used to. We have ventilators, dialysis machines, ICUs-technologies that can "fix" us and keep our bodies alive-which have radically changed how we make medical decisions. In our death-denying culture, no matter how sick we get, there is always "hope." Defining Hope tells the story of patients dealing with life-threatening illness as they move between ICUs, operating rooms, hospice care and home. Diane is a nurse caring for end-stage cancer patients when she is diagnosed with ovarian cancer herself. 23-year-old Alena undergoes a risky brain surgery that destroys her short-term memory. 95-year-old Berthold lives with his elderly wife who struggles to honor his wish of dying peacefully at home. Defining Hope follows these patients and others- and the nurses that guide them along the way- as they face death, embrace hope, and ultimately redefine what makes life worth living.

Director: Carolyn Jones
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 77 min
Release Date:

Cast

Music: Marc Ribot
Cinematography: Jaka Vinšek
Editing: Laura Israel, Chelsea A. Smith
Production: Carolyn Jones Productions
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

nurse, hospital

More Films by Director: Carolyn Jones
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Defining Hope about?
We aren't dying the way we used to. We have ventilators, dialysis machines, ICUs-technologies that can "fix" us and keep our bodies alive-which have radically changed how we make medical decisions. In our death-denying culture, no matter how sick we get, there is always "hope." Defining Hope tells the story of patients dealing with life-threatening illness as they move between ICUs, operating rooms, hospice care and home. Diane is a nurse caring for end-stage cancer patients when she is diagnosed with ovarian cancer herself. 23-year-old Alena undergoes a risky brain surgery that destroys her short-term memory. 95-year-old Berthold lives with his elderly wife who struggles to honor his wish of dying peacefully at home. Defining Hope follows these patients and others- and the nurses that guide them along the way- as they face death, embrace hope, and ultimately redefine what makes life worth living.
Who directed Defining Hope?
Defining Hope was directed by Carolyn Jones.
Who stars in Defining Hope?
Defining Hope stars Rudolph Bilotti Sr., Berthold Cohen, Charlotte Cohen, Carmen Hernandez, Deborah LaFond, JoAnn Nayer-Grutza.
How long is Defining Hope?
Defining Hope has a runtime of 1h 17m (77 minutes).
What genre is Defining Hope?
Defining Hope is a Documentary film.
Where was Defining Hope produced?
Defining Hope was produced in United States of America.