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Deep Dive: I Am Breathing (2013)

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I Am Breathing
I Am Breathing is a documentary that follows Neil Platt, a young father diagnosed with terminal motor neuron disease (MND), specifically ALS. The film captures his transition from a healthy individual to someone who becomes completely paralyzed from the neck down within a year. Through his blog and personal reflections, Neil shares his thoughts on life, love, and the impact of his illness on his family, particularly his baby son, Oscar. The film combines Neil's direct communication with sensory memories, emphasizing the value of ordinary experiences. The documentary was directed by Emma Davie and Morag McKinnon and produced by Sonia Henrici, with funding from Channel 4 and other organizations. Released on June 21, 2013, the film aimed to raise awareness about motor neurone disease and was screened in 30 countries. It received critical acclaim, holding a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and winning awards, including the Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at the River Run International Film Festival.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Neil Platt, a father sharing his final thoughts.
  • •See the impact of ALS on a young family.
  • •Find out how humor persists in the face of illness.

Did You Know

•The film was released on June 21, 2013, coinciding with MND awareness day.
•I Am Breathing was screened in 30 countries with 130 screenings total.
•Neil Platt was completely paralyzed within a year of his diagnosis.
•The film won the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Director.
•Neil Platt communicated his thoughts through a blog before his death.

Perfect For

Documentary enthusiastsAdvocates for MND awarenessFans of personal stories